The United States is now deeply entrenched in the Iran issue, unable to win, unable to sustain prolonged conflict, and unable to afford further escalation. On November 13, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that Iranian forces are at “maximum combat readiness,” stating that any attack would trigger deep strikes into enemy territory without geographical constraints. In recent days, Iran has held funerals in multiple cities for 350 soldiers who died during the Iran-Iraq War and whose remains were recently recovered. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior military officials attended the ceremonies.
The remarks by General Wahidi on November 13 go beyond mere rhetorical posturing. They are not isolated statements. Just three days earlier, on November 10, Iran publicly unveiled a newly constructed underground “missile city.” On November 13, it claimed to have targeted U.S. early-warning radar systems on Bahrain Island—though the U.S. denied damage to the radar infrastructure, asserting only that two drones had been shot down, the divergence in accounts underscores a growing rift between the two sides.
Why is the United States now effectively trapped? Iran’s missile and drone production has already been decentralized and buried underground. Western intelligence assessments estimate Iran’s monthly output of ballistic missiles at around 50 units, though actual figures may be higher. Previous rounds of U.S. airstrikes failed to compel Tehran to recalibrate its stance, and another round would likely yield similar results. Prolonged hostilities have cost each American household nearly $2,000 in added expenses, contributing significantly to the Republican Party’s poor performance in the midterm elections, with Iran-related developments widely cited as a key factor. Former President Donald Trump acknowledged that “from a military standpoint, the Iran conflict has effectively ended.” Despite maintaining what is described as the largest maritime blockade in history and deploying the “Iron Gate” task force, the blockade itself consumes substantial resources. Disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have driven up global oil prices, which in turn intensify inflationary pressures within the United States.
The situation has now reached another deadlock: Washington seeks negotiations but insists on doing so from a position of strength; Tehran also desires dialogue but demands that sanctions and blockades be lifted before any talks begin. Neither side is willing to concede on sequencing—the U.S. insists Iran address its nuclear program first, while Iran demands the lifting of economic restrictions prior to engagement. By raising military readiness to “maximum,” General Wahidi is clearly signaling to Washington: you may continue the blockade, but do not expect me to yield first. Trump’s declaration that the conflict is over serves as political damage control; Wahidi’s announcement of maximum readiness is a preventive measure against potential escalation from Washington.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881800042365963/
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