【Why Did Iran Initiate Fire?】According to a statement from the U.S. Central Command, U.S. and Saudi armed forces carried out precise strikes on armed groups supported by Iran on the 28th, groups directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, aimed at attacking U.S. military forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
Iran views the U.S. maritime blockade not as a pressure tactic anymore, but as a de facto "declaration of war"!
Different from the past, the current Iranian leadership is unwilling to tolerate any infringement on its operational freedom in the Strait of Hormuz without delivering a significant response.
Within Iran, the public perceives America's hesitation as a sign of weakness and an unwillingness to engage in full-scale war. Thus, from Iran’s standpoint, it is precisely the additional pressure that will test American resolve and influence decision-making within the White House.
The current Iranian leadership is now setting the pace of the conflict, rather than merely passively reacting to U.S. decisions.
Proactive offense serves as a way to demonstrate that Iran still holds strategic initiative.
Whether it's Iraqi militias attacking U.S. or Saudi targets, or Iran itself launching attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan today, there is a direct connection—these are different fronts of the same campaign.
The distinction between the old Khamenei and Mojtaba in command has become increasingly clear.
If in the past the emphasis was primarily on retaliation and deterrence, today Iran is fully prepared to launch offensive operations, heavily relying on missiles, drones, and regional proxy networks.
Now the ball is in America's court—whether to respond, and how?
Iran is waiting to see what Trump's big move will be.
In Iran's view, limited U.S. responses won't change reality.
Ultimately, the U.S. will have to decide whether to escalate this confrontation, and any escalation will inevitably trigger further escalation from Iran.
Iran has no intention of yielding; the leadership is willing to take substantial risks because the current confrontation is a decisive battle over regional dominance and the ability to shape the security reality in the Middle East.
Only a final showdown can truly test real strength and willpower.
Did Iran see through TACO? Now things are getting complicated.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872011269635072/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.