Mullahs tremble before America’s decisions: Soleimani’s messages show Tehran’s fear

Mohamed Shaat

Recent statements by Iranian officials have revealed the extent of concern about the United States’ actions. Tehran is working to remedy the political crisis between it and Washington so as not to push the US to adopt a new disciplinary decision against the mullahs’ regime, where it could be offset by an Iranian response that would widen the circle of military conflict.

Soleimani’s Messages

The recent statements by Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force, reveal that no scenario is being excluded. Soleimani revealed a letter sent from the CIA to US President Donald Trump regarding war with Iran.

Soleimani ruled out Washington waging war on his country, even as there was growing talk of a military confrontation between Iran and the United States. In a video posted on his Twitter account, he said, “The CIA informed American President Donald Trump not to engage with Iran even if it was a partial clash.”

“We should not exaggerate the enemy’s power without knowing the truth of its capabilities. It speaks of the need not to engage in a clash with Iran in the current circumstances,” Soleimani said, adding, “They say that any clash could turn into a war without a known end and will threaten the interests of [the United States].”

Intended tactic

“I think that the apparent discrepancy in the statements of the Iranian military about the possibility of the United States launching a war against their country does not reflect a situation of contradiction as much as it reflects a deliberate tactic aimed at raising the morale of its fighters,” said researcher Osama al-Hitimi.

Hitimi also pointed out that the statements aimed at the masses were in a false tone, confirming that Iran has the ability to hurt America and threaten its interests, which will prompt the mullahs to refrain from this dangerous move, while the army leaders are keen for the Iranian forces to be in a state of preparedness for such a war.

The Iranians of course invoke two previous US military operations against the Iranian navy in the Arabian Gulf in 1987 and 1988, which were Washington’s response to violations by the Iranian navy, Hitimi said. However, they were limited in effect, intended to discipline the mullahs but not eliminate them, although now a military response cannot be guaranteed if the crisis develops.