“Iran had to respond, but it chose a ‘symmetrical’ – that is, limited or actually weaker – retaliation,” said Dr Bruno Surdel, analyst at the Centre for International Relations, during a live interview on TVN24 Biznes i Świat.
He was referring to Iran’s missile strike on US bases in Qatar, launched after American airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
Tehran’s leadership, according to dr Surdel, is seeking to avoid further escalation of the open war started after the Israeli attacks began on June 13.
“The key question is whether the recent US strikes truly damaged Iran’s nuclear program,” continued dr Surdel.
If not, Washington risks becoming entangled in a prolonged conflict – a scenario that could undermine support for Ukraine, trigger mass refugee flows to Europe, and strengthen Russia and China.
Dr Surdel also cautioned that we are witnessing not just open warfare, but also an information war, where narratives about Iran serve strategic objectives.
