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Why US policy of threat against Iran is no longer effective

Washington's renewed threats and military warnings against Iran are a repetition of a worn-out policy that has failed to change Iran's behavior. Decades of pressure have strengthened Iran's internal cohesion instead.

By MNA·Jul 25·en.mehrnews.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

Why US policy of threat against Iran is no longer effective
Image: en.mehrnews.com

The US policy of threat against Iran is no longer effective as it has failed to change Iran's behavior, often strengthening its internal cohesion instead. The Islamic Republic of Iran has developed its deterrence capability, making it harder for the US to decide on the use of military action.

Why it matters

This story matters to someone following Iran because it highlights the ineffectiveness of the US policy of threat against Iran, which has been a defining feature of US foreign policy towards Iran for decades.

The US has been threatening Iran for a long time, but it hasn't worked. Iran has become stronger and more united because of these threats. It's like trying to scare someone into doing what you want, but it only makes them more determined to do the opposite.

Analysis

A Worn-Out Policy: The Failure of US Threats Against Iran

The history of Iran-US relations shows that whenever Washington has imagined it could force the Islamic Republic of Iran to back down by intensifying military threats, economic pressure, or psychological warfare, it has encountered an outcome different from its initial calculations. Contrary to the expectations of the architects of this policy, external pressure has not only failed to change Iran's behavior but has, in many instances, led to the strengthening of internal cohesion, increased convergence among decision-making institutions, and a bolstered national will to defend the country's interests.

The Evolution of Iran's Deterrence Capability

One of the most important factors that has diminished the effectiveness of US threats is the evolution in Iran's deterrence capability. Over the past years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has endeavored to raise the cost of any military action against it by developing its defensive, missile, drone, and naval capabilities. As a result, American decision-makers can no longer decide on the use of military action against Iran with the same level of confidence as in the past.

The Repetition of the Same Scenario

The developments of recent months are no exception to this rule. Concurrent with the escalation of American officials' belligerent rhetoric, the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly emphasized that any hostile action will be met with a proportionate, decisive response based on strategic calculations. These positions demonstrate that Tehran continues to emphasize the principle of active deterrence and seeks to correct any miscalculation regarding the costs of actions against Iran.

Key points

  • The US policy of threat against Iran has failed to change Iran's behavior.
  • Iran's internal cohesion has been strengthened by external pressure.
  • Iran's deterrence capability has evolved, making it harder for the US to decide on the use of military action.
  • The Islamic Republic of Iran has emphasized that any hostile action will be met with a proportionate, decisive response.
The Upside

If the US stops its policy of threat and instead engages in diplomacy, it could lead to a more stable and peaceful relationship between the two countries. This could also lead to increased cooperation on regional issues and a reduction in tensions.

The Downside

If the US continues its policy of threat, it could lead to increased tensions and conflict between the two countries. This could also lead to a destabilization of the region and a rise in extremist groups.

Originally reported at

en.mehrnews.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsiranus-iran-relationsdeterrencediplomacyregional-security

Author

MNA

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Jul 25, 2026

Source

en.mehrnews.com

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Topics

iranus-iran-relationsdeterrencediplomacyregional-security

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