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The targeted strikes, as highlighted by both Trump and senior officials, were carefully calibrated to impact Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, with the intention of compelling the Iranian regime—the so-called “bully of the Middle East”—to pursue peace. Despite the U.S. claims of success in obliterating Iran's nuclear capabilities, the country's leadership remains defiant, deliberating various possible responses that could escalate regional tensions further.
Iran's Response: Defiance and Strategic Options
Iranian officials have been steadfast in their refusal to back down. Reports indicate that the Iranian military and political leadership are weighing several retaliatory options. These include: