By Raz Zimmt
Interpretations published in recent days in the Iranian media may indicate that among Tehran's decision-makers there are voices arguing that, in light of President Trump's apparently unacceptable demands on Iran, including the complete dismantlement of its nuclear capabilities and the willingness to negotiate on other issues, such as the missile program and support for its proxies [regional proxies], a military attack is preferable to surrendering to the dictates of the United States.
An Iranian commentator recently assessed that Iran's leader, [Ali] Khamenei, believes that negotiations with Trump pose a greater danger than a military strike, since accepting his demands, considered by Khamenei as humiliating, could damage Iran's revolutionary identity and the regime's fundamental principles.
On the contrary, an attack on nuclear facilities is unlikely to lead to a full-scale war that threatens the stability of its government and could even provide Iran with an excuse to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty [NPT] and negotiate on better terms in the future.
An analytical article on an Iranian news site argues that some Iranian policymakers believe that even if Trump doesn't budge on their demands, it is better to risk a military strike than submit to his dictates.
Their approach is based on the assumption that Trump is not seeking a full-scale war that would lead to the collapse of the regime and that Israel is not capable of waging a full-scale war against Iran.
According to this view, a limited military strike that does not endanger the stability of the regime is preferable to giving in to US demands.
Moreover, it could even provide the regime with several advantages, including demonstrating its resolve in a way that strengthens its regional position, reinforcing internal cohesion in Iran, and intensifying hostility toward the United States.
While these interpretations do not necessarily represent the position of Iran's leaders, including the Supreme Leader, they may reflect a growing perception among Tehran's decision-makers that a military strike—especially a limited Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities that does not threaten the regime's survival—may be preferable to surrendering to U.S. dictates.
Source: INSS – The Institute for National Security Studies
The Ayatollah said that it is neither wise nor intelligent to negotiate with the Americans. They are false and traitors. They never keep their word or treaties. If you have hypersonic missiles that reach Israel and carry American planes and S-400 systems and Sukoy planes, you will kneel.
Today, the US lacks the capability to defeat Iran, not only because Iran could easily sink its aircraft carriers and wipe out Israel, but also because the crisis the US is currently experiencing could lead to widespread economic chaos, already severely damaged by its own warmongering policies and tariffs against the world.