Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute argues that Iran’s top priority is to avoid a direct confrontation with the United States.
Iranian leaders have vowed to “severely punish” Israel after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. But the United States has promised to defend Israel, and Iran is not seeking a direct confrontation with Washington. All of this indicates that Iran is reluctant to retaliate, says Trita Parsi, co-founder of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.
Parsi told host Steve Clemons that this is the “most fragile” situation Iran has faced in years, as Tehran feels compelled to de-escalate the situation, even though it appears powerless to its allies.