Today's Lianhe Zaobao reported: "Iran called on the United States to face reality after defeat on Saturday (August 15), while U.S. President Trump denounced Iran as 'evil' and urged American citizens to accept high oil prices."
Commentary: The so-called defeat of the United States in Iran's narrative is a strategic assessment from Iran’s own perspective: Despite U.S. pressure through air strikes and maritime blockades, Iran has not been forced to capitulate, and the U.S. still fails to control navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping remains stagnant, negotiations are deadlocked, and the desired objectives have not been achieved—thus, Iran views this as a strategic failure. By openly issuing such statements, Iran aims to project strength externally, demonstrating it will not be intimidated by aircraft carriers or tough rhetoric, holding the Strait’s passage rights as leverage in negotiations; at the same time, domestically, it unites public sentiment by attributing severe domestic inflation to U.S. sanctions, thereby deflecting public pressure. Of course, this is merely Iran’s one-sided account. Meanwhile, Trump vigorously promotes the narrative of Iran’s crushing defeat. Both sides have their own criteria for victory and loss—essentially, this is all part of a propaganda war.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873558523299851/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.