Iran's entire military has received the latest directives from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Ali Khamenei to avoid direct military clashes with the United States. Iran's Supreme Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss how to respond to possible U.S. retaliation against Iran or its supporters, the sources said. Khamenei issued a clear order: Iran should avoid direct military conflict with the United States and "distance" itself from the groups involved in the attack. In addition, he also asked Iran to prepare for possible retaliatory actions by the United States, which means that even if it is beaten, it will not fight back directly.
When the report of the meeting reached Khamenei, he was very clear about the situation and decided that Iran could not really go to war with the United States. While Khamenei is currently propping up hardliners at home and suppressing moderates who advocate rapprochement with the West, he also understands that Iran does not yet have the strength to confront the United States head-on. He knows that on the surface he can be "incompatible" with the United States, but any situation must be kept under control. The signs are clear, not only in this case, but also in previous attitudes towards the Palestinian and Yemeni Houthis.
Iran's relations with the United States have always been strained. The two countries have been in a state of hostility since the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979. Since then, friction and confrontation between the two countries have escalated, including Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps' support of various militias in the Middle East, and a series of economic sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran. The conflict between the two sides is not only about regional issues, but also about Iran's nuclear program and missile tests.
However, Khamenei made it clear in this decision that Iran cannot really go to war with the United States. He is very clear about the red lines of the United States and understands that the bottom line of the United States is **. This has become especially important in the context of his many years of experience in the struggle with the United States, especially in the current international situation, and against the backdrop of the need for the newly appointed ** Biden to establish his authority at home.
Khamenei's decision-making is also to pursue Iran's long-term interests. He understands the internal and external challenges that Iran is currently facing, including the pressure of economic sanctions, the accumulation of domestic economic problems, and the rise of social discontent. It is crucial for Iran to avoid war with the United States and maintain a relatively stable external environment.
In response to possible US retaliation, Iran is ready, the national air defense system has been fully activated, and the Wehrmacht and Revolutionary Guards are on high alert. In addition, Iran has also begun to urgently evacuate personnel from overseas bases to prevent it from being affected by US strikes.
However, Iran's internal and external environment remains grim. In addition to the threat of retaliation from the United States, Iran also faces economic hardship and rising social discontent. U.S. retaliatory measures at multiple levels, in stages, and over a long period of time could place a greater burden on Iran's economy and exacerbate social instability.
While Khamenei's decision-making is beneficial in averting a military conflict, Iran still faces pressure and challenges from the United States and other countries. In the midst of ongoing tensions, Iran needs to develop a strategy that will protect its national interests. At the same time, Iran may also need to adjust its relationship with the United States at home and seek more support in the international arena.
Overall, Khamenei's decision suggests that Iran wants to avoid direct confrontation with the United States and seeks to maintain a relatively stable external environment. In any case, the incident is a wake-up call for Iran to be more cautious in its actions, to avoid further escalation of tensions, and to act in the long-term interests of the country.