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Iran Attempts to Show Confidence: In Face of US Military Reinforcements to Israel
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Iranian attempts to show confidence reveal underlying fears of changing power balances in the region, especially with increasing military cooperation between the United States and Israel
In a clear attempt to reduce tension and display confidence, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh described the United States' deployment of the THAAD defense system in Israel as "part of psychological warfare". Nasirzadeh stated to the Iranian News Agency (IRNA) that the system does not pose a significant threat to Iran's military capabilities.
However, these statements appear to be an attempt to conceal real concern in Tehran about the strengthening of Israeli defensive capabilities, especially in light of the recent escalation that saw Iran launch about 200 missiles towards Israel in early October. These developments come in the context of exchanged threats between the two sides, with Israel vowing to respond to the Iranian attack in a "lethal, precise, and surprising" manner.
Observers confirm that despite Iran's attempts to downplay the importance of deploying the THAAD system, the presence of about 100 American soldiers in Israel to operate the system represents a new strategic challenge for Tehran. The direct US military presence adds a new dimension to the potential confrontation and increases the complexity of Iranian calculations.
The statements of Iranian officials reveal underlying tension, despite attempts to show confidence and cohesion. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's assertion that Iran will respond firmly if targeted by Israel reflects a state of anticipation and readiness for escalation.
It seems that Iran recognizes the strategic implications of enhanced military cooperation between the United States and Israel, which explains its repeated attempts to downplay the importance of these developments. However, these attempts simultaneously reveal real fears of changing power balances in the region.
Levant-Agencies
