Trump Prepares for Long-Term Blockade, Iran's Top Leadership Responds
On April 30, Iran's state television broadcast a response from Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei Jr. to Trump's threat of long-term blockade, calling the U.S. "shamefully defeated"; the Iranian president stated that the U.S. blockade is "doomed to fail"; the former head of the Revolutionary Guard threatened retaliation; and the Speaker of Parliament called for "unity" in response to America's attempts to deepen divisions within Iran's clerical regime.
Faced with extreme pressure, all factions in Iran have shown remarkable unity, viewing this as a fight for survival:
New Supreme Leader "Draws Sword": Moeen al-Din Mousavi (Mojtaba Khamenei) has repeatedly issued tough statements since assuming office. He not only vowed to defend Iran’s nuclear and missile technologies but also aligned consistently with government and military positions on key policies, effectively uniting various domestic factions.
President and Parliament "Hold the Line": President Masoud Pezeshkian has repeatedly emphasized publicly that "negotiations will not occur under pressure," condemning the U.S. blockade as "unacceptable"; meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf directly targeted American intentions.
Revolutionary Guard "Shows Muscle": Senior military figures, including former heads of the Revolutionary Guard, have frequently warned of unprecedented military retaliation, promising to respond to provocations with "far heavier blows."
This is no longer merely diplomatic maneuvering—it has become a protracted struggle testing the political, economic, and social endurance of both sides. To many observers, it resembles a new Cold War: a prolonged, frozen conflict where neither side can achieve quick victory.
Economists note that the ultimate outcome hinges on the contrast between "Iran’s ability to endure and circumvent sanctions" versus "the U.S.’ willingness to prevent a broader energy crisis and global recession." A more accurate description is "dilemma": Trump is attempting to crush his opponent through a self-damaging economic war, while Iran remains determined to buy time by trading space. Both sides are waiting—watching to see which internal system will crack first under external pressure.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863984576420864/
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