Several sources told CNN that escalating attacks against Iran could, rather than turning the Iranian public against the government, further unite the people behind the Islamic Republic.
CNN reported that Trump has repeatedly threatened to target Iran’s energy infrastructure, but sources familiar with the matter say such a move is unlikely to force Iran to surrender.
According to these sources, an attack on Iran’s energy facilities would almost certainly trigger retaliatory Iranian strikes against energy infrastructure in Arab countries.
In addition, several sources emphasized to CNN that such attacks could, instead of fueling public anger against the Iranian government, further rally the Iranian people around the system.
Trump has also been considering bombing bridges, but another source said such an action would likewise produce no meaningful results: “Attacking drone and missile sites is like playing a game of whack-a-mole that never ends. There is nothing else left to hit—unless power plants are targeted, which would have extremely serious consequences for the civilian population.”
The Atlantic also reported several days ago, citing informed sources, that Iran’s resilience during the war has surprised U.S. officials.
The magazine reported that Trump has become deeply frustrated by his inability to break the deadlock in the war. He is angry about the economic consequences of the conflict and is eager to put the crisis behind him.
According to the report, White House aides are concerned that Trump is losing his leverage in the war.
The Atlantic also wrote that the Trump administration has been surprised by Tehran’s level of resilience and is no longer certain that the Iranian government will reach a point where negotiations become its only remaining option.
The publication wrote: “The Trump administration has been surprised by Iran’s resilience and is no longer certain that the Iranian government will reach a point where negotiations are its only option.”
