He paused for a moment, continuing to escalate, but his wording remained cautious:

"From a longer-term perspective, a stable and predictable Kurd Region aligns with the long-term wishes of both you and me. For those who have made critical contributions to maintaining this stability... cooperation partners, the US side will naturally be more willing to listen to their concerns and seek constructive ways of interaction in formulating and implementing relevant regional policies, without violating core principles."

More diplomatic talk!

Song Heping also sneered inwardly.

Oral promises, empty talk.

Everyone can do that!

"Constructive ways of interaction... very diplomatic phrasing, General."

Song Heping's tone carried a trace of disdain.

"But what I have to deal with are bullets and missiles on the battlefield. What I need are minute-precise action orders and reliable intelligence support, not future policy inclinations. If I'm to deploy my men to that valley, facing Barzani's carefully prepared ambushers and risking the loss of elite members, I need to ensure my operation has a chance of success, not just a death mission or to be blamed for a larger chaos."

"What do you need?"

Duke immediately followed up.

After all, Song Heping's words were a positive sign, indicating at least a consideration of action feasibility.

"First, real-time, accurate intelligence support."

Song Heping's requirements were clear and specific.

"I need US Army theater-level intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets, at least including a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite or a 'Global Hawk'-class high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) drone, to continuously monitor the section of Highway 1 from Elbil to Kirkuk, especially that valley area. I need real-time imagery, the precise location, speed, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) of Masoud's convoy. I need to know the specific deployment coordinates, personnel count, and weaponry of Barzani's ambushers. This data must be securely and low-latency shared in real-time with the command nodes I designate."

Duke quickly assessed.

Providing tactical-level real-time ISR support went a step beyond mere verbal requests, implying substantial US Army involvement in the operation.

But compared to deploying troops directly, this remained a gray area and was technically feasible.

He glanced at Anderson, who was quickly checking the status of available assets and gestured to Duke that it could be coordinated.

"It can be arranged." Duke replied in a deep voice, "We will establish a temporary, encrypted data-sharing channel. But after the operation concludes, the channel will be immediately shut down, and all data records will be destroyed according to procedure."

"Second," Song Heping continued, "I need freedom of action and post-operation tacit understanding. My team entering the area may engage in firefights with Barzani's forces. If the operation succeeds, Masoud is rescued, and Barzani himself may be captured or injured. How to handle him must be judged by the on-site commander based on the situation. I need to ensure that taking down a coup plotter won't lead to accusations of 'violating Kurd internal affairs' or 'excessive use of force' afterward."

This issue was more sensitive.

Duke thought for a few seconds, "Our core goal is to thwart the assassination and protect Chairman Masoud's life. If unavoidable firefights occur during this process, it falls under self-defense or protection of key personnel. As for General Barzani... if he indeed participated in coup plots and resisted during the operation, his fate should first be decided by the laws and procedures of the Kurd people themselves. Our focus is on avoiding large-scale conflict and maintaining regional stability."

This response deftly avoided a direct commitment but implied that the US side would not hold Song Heping accountable for specific tactical actions, especially if Barzani was "dealt with on the spot."

This was actually approaching the boundary of the "flexible handling" that Director Simon talked about.

"Third," Song Heping said uncompromisingly, "regarding future 'constructive interaction.' I need a more specific signal. I don't need a written agreement, but I need you, Major General Duke, to guarantee in your personal capacity and position that you will play a 'constructive' role in the upcoming negotiations regarding the Kirkuk situation, particularly the status of the Abu You Brigade and the reorganization of the Samir forces, rather than merely offering empty promises."

This was the real price.

Song Heping directly linked a one-time rescue operation with his long-term strategic layout in Northern Illiguo.

He demanded invisible support from the US in critical subsequent political negotiations.

Duke felt the pressure.

This promise was more specific than any previous request, involving future policy directions.

But he also understood that if Masoud was indeed killed, and Kurd plunged into civil war, the losses to US interests there would far outweigh the risks of making some vague commitments.

"I understand your concerns, Mr. Song."

Duke chose his words carefully, "I can assure you that my personal interests and those of the US military command in Yili are centered on maintaining the security and stability of Northern Illiguo, particularly the Kurd Region. Any resolution framework beneficial to this goal will be seriously considered and prudently supported by us. Your interests in this direction align with our objective of promoting lasting stability."

This was still a passage filled with diplomatic rhetoric but with a clear intention.

The line fell silent again.

This silence lasted nearly ten seconds.

"Very well." Finally, Song Heping's voice came again, and in those simple two words, it seemed a significant decision had been made, "Then, based on our shared concerns for regional stability and your previously expressed 'constructive' attitude, I will take action."

Duke felt his shoulders relax slightly.

"What do you need me to do?" Duke immediately asked.

"Immediately initiate your intelligence support. I need to see real-time satellite or drone imagery of that valley area within five minutes. The data chain encryption protocol and reception frequency, my operators will immediately send to your data chain port and coordinate with your personnel."

Song Heping's instructions were clear and rapid, instantly shifting from negotiator to action commander, "Also, keep this voice line open, as I need to communicate with you at all times."

"Understood. My people will coordinate immediately."

Duke looked toward Anderson and Miller, both of whom had already begun their tense operations.

"Now, General Duke," Song Heping's voice came through the radio waves, exuding an undeniable decisiveness in its calmness, "to ensure the operation runs smoothly, I'm heading personally to Kirkuk, so keep the line open."

With that, Song Heping hung up the phone.