According to Sina Azodi, an assistant professor of Middle East politics at George Washington University, both Iran and the United States are strategically trying to make the other side concede first in the ongoing conflict. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Azodi explained that each side’s goal is interconnected, as both are escalating tensions to pressure the other into backing down and accepting their respective demands.

Azodi stated that Washington’s objective is to bring Iran back to the negotiation table and compel Tehran to accept US conditions. In contrast, Iran insists that the United States must first lift its naval blockade and fully implement the memorandum of understanding previously agreed upon between the two countries.

He added that both sides are also seeking to demonstrate that they are not retreating from their positions but rather hardening them, aiming to force the opponent to make concessions in the end.