The Iranians’ biggest mistake here were to be weak. Ever since 2020 when Trump first attacked them, they failed to achieve any meaningful retaliation, and they have successively failed to achieve any till today.

Seeing that Iran did nothing but a face saving strike when the US took down Solemeni, the Israelis went ahead with striking their consulate in 2024. Seeing yet another weak response, they went for all out strikes on their facilities in 2025. Yet again no retort from Iran. Well, guess what? Now they’re rampaging all over the bloody country.

The Americans’ assessment of Iran was clear. Iran would not establish any form of deterrence because it clings to the delusions of having a negotiated settlement being ratified, which the Americans themselves never had any intention of signing.

Had the IRGC and Hizbullah replied in a tit-for-tat each time to punish American and Israeli assets in the region for their illegal and insane actions, clear deterrence would have been established and Iran’s red lines would have been backed with some credibility. The Americans would not have been so keen to act with such impunity. But again, because of the Ayatollah’s futile hope to keep the door open for future negotiations, they’ve sabotaged their own position as well as their nuclear program. And the result now is that both the IRGC and Hzb have been split apart and are being destroyed one at a time.

Ironically, the Ayatollah’s half-hearted policy towards American aggression is what probably cost him his life and those of his immediate family today.

Trump is essentially a shark in the water (no disrespect meant towards sharks). If it smells blood, it will pounce on its prey, no questions asked. But if its prey is willing to struggle, it will move on to another already injured target.

The biggest mistake to make against this kind of adversary is to show weakness. But Iran could not understand that.