Iran ‘ready to spill American blood - even at a huge cost’
The Times • • world
Key Points:
- Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei has revived a decentralized command structure reminiscent of the 1980s Iran-Iraq war to prepare for potential conflict and regime decapitation, aiming to maintain provincial autonomy and resilience.
- US-Iran tensions remain high, with President Trump accusing Iran of nuclear ambitions and deploying a military armada to pressure Tehran, while negotiations show little overlap in demands and concessions between the two sides.
- Experts warn Iran is unlikely to capitulate due to its desire to preserve its capabilities and regime survival, with potential for maximum retaliation against any US attack, possibly involving regional proxies like Hezbollah and Houthis.
- The regime's harsh crackdown on recent anti-government protests, resulting in thousands of deaths and mass arrests, may have been exacerb
