Senior Iranian officials have indicated they believe the United States is preparing either additional military operations or escalated economic measures targeting their country. The assessment originates from Mehdi Mohammadi, an adviser to Iran’s chief negotiator, who suggested Washington proposed a two-week timeframe before deciding on military action. Mohammadi expressed skepticism regarding American claims that military options had been removed from consideration, stating instead that preparations were underway for limited strikes against Iranian targets.
The Iranian official outlined two potential Iranian responses depending on US actions. Should military strikes occur, Iran has indicated it would mount a measured response. However, if economic sanctions persist, Mohammadi suggested a more comprehensive pre-emptive operation would be necessary to raise the cost of sanctions for the United States. He characterized American responses to Iranian proposals regarding the strait of Hormuz as unsatisfactory, citing US unwillingness to release frozen assets, lift existing sanctions, or cease military involvement in Lebanon.
The current US strategy involves maintaining economic pressure on Iran while restricting its oil exports while enabling other Gulf states to maintain shipments through the strait. Iranian officials have expressed concern that this economic approach could destabilize the country, potentially triggering civil unrest. Additional Iranian officials, including the secretary of the national security council and an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, have issued warnings that any expanded US military action originating from European bases would be considered a targetable threat.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated this week that economic pressure alone represented sufficient policy, characterizing Iranian demands as unreasonable. However, the White House faces a deadline, as Democratic leadership assumes control of Congress on 3 January. Polling data indicates substantial American public support for legislative action to end the conflict, creating pressure on the current administration to reach a resolution before the transition of power occurs.
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