Iran is attempting to set new rules of the game and deter possible Israeli operations against other terrorist leaders, whether from Palestinian movements or Hezbollah itself.
Iran and its terrorist proxies in the Middle East are working toward a full-scale regional conflict, according to some assessments. This conflict would serve their interests and achieve Iran’s strategic goals, which could benefit China and Russia.
But it is important to distinguish between the goals of the so-called resistance axis led by Iran and the goals of the strategic opponents of the US, such as China and Russia.
The contradiction between these goals and the way they are achieved is obvious. The Iranian regime’s desire for a direct confrontation with the US or Israel remains difficult to assess.
Teheran indifferent to human casualties
The assessments of Iranian anger relate primarily to the increasing attacks on Iran’s regional proxies. These proxies are under heavy attack by US forces and the Israeli army in Syria and Iraq.
However, Tehran seems indifferent to human casualties in counter-operations, regardless of the significance and weight of the casualties
Teheran wishes to ensure its own survival
The regime’s priority is to ensure its own survival and avoid direct threats to its fate. If Iran had been angered enough to respond forcefully to US or Israeli counter-operations, it would have responded to the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Iran opted for a measured response in this case, taking limited measures to save face without escalating to a major retaliatory strike commensurate with the importance of Soleimani, who was a linchpin of the regime.
