Iran doesn’t have a preemptive strike plan or policy in place, but if the US hits first, “the response will be harsh and multifaceted, targeting specific locations and countries, including a number of targets in Israel,” Dalul warned.
“Iran has developed missile systems that can disable US military assets, in addition to its ability to close the Hormuz Strait,” the observer noted, referencing the strategic maritime chokepoint through which some 20% of the world’s daily oil needs flow.
If there is any debate in Washington about whether or not to attack Iran, it’s between “rational people who understand and appreciate Iran’s capabilities,” and “reckless hawks who are indifferent to the consequences,” Dalul said, warning that Iran’s retaliation could fragment the US’s leadership, “because no one wants to be held responsible for damage/losses, especially since Iran warned them in advance.”