Iran: Radicals call for escalation and breaking the blockade
The 'Kayhan' newspaper warns against a 'ceasefire trap' and urges decisive action. Meanwhile, moderate circles in Iran see the lull as a chance for the economy. The US is betting on financial pressure, viewing it as more effective than bombings.
The internal political debate in Iran has intensified against the backdrop of a temporary lull in the exchange of strikes with the United States. Radical circles are insisting on an immediate renewal of active operations, claiming that Washington is in a vulnerable position and that the current pause is merely a ruse.
Radicals against diplomacy
The conservative newspaper 'Kayhan', which expresses the views of the most aggressive wing, has called on the Iranian Foreign Ministry to sever all indirect contacts with the United States. The publication claims that the American 'war machine' in the Persian Gulf has reached a dead end and that President Donald Trump's retreat is due to the depletion of missile stocks and air defense assets, not strength. The radicals insist: it is time to break the naval blockade and establish a new order through powerful attacks.
A similar position is held by the newspaper 'Javan', identified with the Revolutionary Guards. It calls for a forceful response to attempts to expand pressure, including incidents in the Caspian Sea.
The moderate camp: A chance to save the economy
Conversely, government-affiliated media outlets such as 'Etemad' and 'Donya-e-Eqtesad' are urging the use of every night without strikes to stabilize the economy. In their view, escalation will only worsen inflation and jeopardize vital trade routes. The dilemma facing the Iranian leadership is clear: diplomacy remains extremely fragile under a siege of distrust.
The US position: Money as a lever of pressure
Officials in the Donald Trump administration believe that economic pressure inflicts more damage on the regime than military strikes. According to Axios, US intelligence is picking up complaints from Iranian officials about a lack of funds to pay fighters. A senior administration official noted: 'The Iranians want to stop the bombings, but more than that, they want money.' Despite criticism from experts who point to Iran's high oil revenues, Washington continues its 'maximum pressure' policy while keeping all military options on the table.
