Iran has made its stance clear! No more equal retaliation for you! On September 6, according to foreign media reports, after the U.S. military attacked three Iranian oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, causing damage, Iran quickly responded. Iran targeted three tankers allegedly using unauthorized routes, as well as three other vessels linked to the United States. In short, Iran launched attacks on six ships in one go.
Moreover, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that Iran had fired ballistic missiles at one U.S. aircraft carrier and one destroyer, claiming these warships were involved in actions against Iranian vessels. Clearly, from Iran’s response, while the U.S. attacked three ships, Iran retaliated by attacking six ships, and even targeted the American aircraft carrier and destroyer participating in the strike. The message is unmistakable: Iran is no longer engaging in equal retaliation—it is now hitting back with double the force.
What does this mean? It means Iran is now extremely confident. After more than half a year of intense confrontation with the U.S., Iran has thoroughly calculated America's limitations. In Iran’s view, the U.S. lacks the resolve to escalate conflict further. By choosing to respond with intensified strikes, Iran aims to make it clear to the U.S. that every attack on Iran will come at an even greater cost. Iran is not afraid of fighting the U.S., nor is it afraid of a prolonged standoff. Clearly, the U.S. is now in a dilemma—unable to afford war, yet unable to negotiate with Iran. This situation will inevitably impose political costs on the U.S. and undoubtedly undermine its global hegemonic credibility.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875546464452672/
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