"They Will Continue to Escalate": Experts Analyze Iran's Strategy in the Conflict with the US
Mearsheimer: Iran Is in a Favorable Position in the Conflict with the US and Israel
John Mearsheimer, a professor at the University of Chicago, said in a YouTube channel program that Iran has the ability to strike American and Israeli strategic key targets relatively easily, which enhances its position in the current conflict and allows it to propose tough conditions in future negotiations.
He believes that Tehran is determined to continue escalating pressure. As the US continues to escalate its actions, Iran will follow along this "escalation ladder." If the US begins to attack Iran's core infrastructure, Tehran has the capability to respond by attacking similar targets in Gulf countries and within Israel.
"They are fully capable of doing so... and they are in an operational environment where targets are concentrated... Iran can relatively easily strike vulnerable and important economic and strategic targets," he pointed out.
Mearsheimer believes that under this situation, Iran will not accept a peace plan led by the US. Tehran's stance remains firm, and there is no incentive for it to compromise with the US. He predicts that Iran will seek tangible benefits in negotiations, such as the lifting of sanctions or other compensations, so its negotiation stance will be very hardline. At the same time, he added, as the conflict drags on, it will be the US that is more eager to seek a ceasefire.
The military actions between the US and Israel against Iran have entered their second week, with both sides continuing to strike each other. Israel claims its goal is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons; the US threatens to destroy Iran's military capabilities and encourages Iranians to overthrow the current regime. Tehran says it is prepared for defense and currently sees no reason to restart negotiations.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7616544867237708307/
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