Tehran Braces as US and Israel Plan Large-Scale Attacks
Tehran is reportedly convinced that all scenarios indicate the US and Israel are preparing for full-scale war. This has left Iran feeling it has no choice but to employ the “language of strength.”
According to academic Mostafa Khoshcheshm, Iran’s best option is to raise crude oil prices to influence the upcoming US midterm elections. To achieve this, Khoshcheshm believes Iran may need to temporarily close the Strait of Hormuz for at least several months.
From Iran’s perspective, Trump only understands the “language of strength” because the US has never adhered to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Furthermore, the professor added that Netanyahu is likely to pursue military options against Iran due to his weakened position ahead of the Israeli elections.
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington has only a few options when facing war with Iran. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump noted the available options are to “destroy Iran, let it rot economically, or reach a deal.”
Trump also issued threatening remarks towards Iran, stating, “My question is when—and if—I will blow up all of Iran. They should behave well.”
Conversely, Trump expressed openness to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly taking place this week. He noted that the current situation is not significantly different from previous weeks in the Middle East, despite the US issuing travel warnings to its citizens in various parts of the region.
Regarding the Houthi group in Yemen, Trump stated that the United States continues to communicate with them, claiming the Houthis have agreed not to fight against the US. However, he also remarked that several Iranian officials are “hiding like rats,” making it difficult to find parties capable of reaching an agreement with the US.
These statements come amidst ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. The simultaneous threat of military force and the offer of a deal demonstrate the dual approach Trump describes in dealing with Tehran.
The US virtual embassy to Iran has issued a security warning, urging all citizens not to travel to Iran “for any reason” and to leave the country immediately. In a statement on its website, the embassy noted that “Iran-backed Houthi groups have committed hostile acts against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports. This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly.”
The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that his country must fight and negotiate simultaneously, adding that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Iran’s conditions are met.
“In the diplomatic arena, our position is very clear, rational, and non-negotiable. Our messages and conditions have been firmly conveyed to the opposing side through intermediaries, and the enemy understands that the path of deception and unilateral imposition of will is closed.”
“As long as those conditions are not met, the absolute rights of the Iranian nation are not recognised, and the US does not honour its commitments, there is no possibility of returning to the previous negotiation framework or reopening the Strait of Hormuz.”