In January 2024, the U.S. Command announced that it had launched massive airstrikes on seven military bases in the Middle East, dropping more than 125 precision munitions on at least 85 Iranian targets.
This is in retaliation for the attack on the US military base in "Tower 22" that resulted in dozens of US military **.
However, the U.S. airstrikes did not hit Iran proper, but focused on regional targets in Syria and Iraq.
And the Iranian side, instead of reacting violently to the actions of the US military, held back from a head-on clash with the US military in accordance with Khamenei's death order.
Why is that?
The immediate cause of the U.S. military's action against Iran occurred on January 3, 2024, when the U.S. base in Iraq's Tower 22 was hit by a rocket attack by Iranian-backed Shiite militias, killing at least 12 U.S. soldiers and four civilians and injuring dozens.
This is the most serious military conflict between the United States and Iran since the assassination of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qassem Soleimani by the U.S. military in January 2020.
In a speech quickly after the incident, Biden strongly condemned Iran's "terrorist acts" and vowed to take "resolute revenge" against Iran.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the US military was ready to deliver a "powerful strike" against Iran.
The U.S. airstrikes are designed to convey U.S. resolve and defense of U.S. interests and allies to Iran, and are aimed at striking Iranian military installations and depots in Syria and Iraq, as well as bases and command centers of Iranian-backed Shiite militias.
The move is aimed at weakening Iran's influence and threat in the Middle East while countering Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
This is also to emphasize to the domestic and international community that Biden's inauguration does not change the dominant role of the United States in the Middle East, and that the United States will continue to defend its own interests and security and will not tolerate any challenge posed to it.
Iran has shown relative calm and restraint in response to the U.S. military's air strikes.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Ali Khamenei issued an order for all parties to exercise restraint and avoid a head-on clash with the US military.
** Chang Zarif stressed that Iran will not be intimidated by the "provocations" of the United States and will firmly defend its own rights and interests and maintain regional stability.
Defense Secretary Khatimi said that Iran has the confidence and ability to respond to the US threat and will respond forcefully at the appropriate time.
The U.S. airstrikes did not deal a fatal blow to Iran's core interests, but were more symbolic retaliation.
Win international sympathy and support through restraint and increase the bargaining chips for pressure and negotiations on the United States.
Iran expects the United States to return to the 2015 JCPOA, lift sanctions, and resume economic and diplomatic activities.
Iran hopes that the United States will respect its legitimate rights and interests and influence in the Middle East and maintain channels of communication and dialogue.
Iran is watching the changes at home and abroad, taking advantage of the political and social chaos in the United States, weakening the position of the United States and strengthening its own strength.
Conclusion
In the U.S. military's military operation against Iran, retaliation and demonstrations are intertwined, and the situation is complicated.
The U.S. military has conveyed its resolve to Iran through powerful air strikes to defend its interests and allies;
Iran, for its part, has shown calm and restraint, avoiding head-on conflict and seeking international support and negotiations.
The two sides have demonstrated strategic thinking and diplomatic wisdom in this crisis, and despite the tensions, they have found a path to de-escalation through restraint and response.
This moment highlights the complex trade-offs and political calculations in international conflicts. February** Dynamic Incentive Program