Iran Isn’t ‘Flailing’ — It’s Executing a Coercive Risk Strategy

Iran’s strategy of drone and missile strikes is neither random nor desperate; rather, it is a coherent strategy designed to steadily increase the political and economic costs of continued U.S. and Israeli military operations. Iran’s goal is not merely to put an end to the current fighting but to inflict sufficient pain to ensure the United States and Israel do not repeat this again. Understanding the logic behind Iran’s actions is essential in coming to realistic assessments about the course of the conflict and preventing dangerous miscalculations.