The ball is in America’s court; Iran is prepared for every scenario

According to Taghrib News Agency(TNA), the discussion took place during a televised panel hosted by Al‑Ghad TV, featuring Hadi Issa Daloul, professor of nuclear physics and international law from Beirut; Mark Kimmitt, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State; and Nabil Atoum, analyst of Iranian affairs.
Daloul: Iran is ready for all scenarios
Hadi Issa Daloul stated that with rising tensions between Iran and the United States, “the ball is now in America’s court, and Iran is fully prepared for any scenario.”
He stressed that Iran does not seek destruction or war, but if conflict begins, “the entire equation will change.”
Daloul added that Iran has the capability to engage actively in a war relying on its domestic strength.
He noted that resistance groups are not obligated to join any confrontation, but assets of Persian Gulf states would be within range if war erupts.
He pointed out that U.S. weapons deployed in Kuwait and across the Persian Gulf have never been tested in a geography like Iran—“a country with high mountains and complex terrain.”
The United States, he said, has never fought a war against a country with Iran’s capabilities.
“Neither Venezuela nor Afghanistan can be compared to Iran,” he added, explaining that Washington’s uncertainty about the outcome reduces the likelihood of war, even though Iran remains prepared.
Daloul emphasized that the priority is the will of the people: “If Mr. Kimmitt comes to Tehran and asks the people directly, he will hear the real answer. The millions who took to the streets on January 12 were Iran’s clear response.”
He said the United States is crafting “Hollywood‑style media scenarios” by distorting events, but said Washington cannot use fabricated reports as a pretext to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“If the other side wants peace, Iran is ready; if it wants war, Iran is fully prepared.”
Kimmitt: U.S. deployment aims at deterrence
Mark Kimmitt claimed that Iran possesses highly advanced missiles in the region and that U.S. naval deployments are intended to create deterrence.
He repeated the U.S. military doctrine that “the best defense is offense,” warning that Iran might target countries hosting American forces.
Kimmitt acknowledged the high cost of deploying forces near Iran but argued that the United States seeks to “restore peace” to the region, even if peace itself is costly.
He asserted that any U.S. strike would be “limited and calculated,” claiming Washington does not intend a full‑scale war.
He also referenced divisions within the Israeli regime, saying Netanyahu initially opposed a U.S. strike on Iran but later demanded the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
According to Kimmitt, the deployment of naval assets could be a pre‑attack phase, and if negotiations fail, military operations may begin.
Atoum: We are in the most sensitive phase of tension
Nabil Atoum stated that the region is experiencing its most critical moment.
“The United States wants Iran to behave according to its demands, while Iran seeks to preserve its dignity and sovereignty,” he said.
He added that Tehran refuses to include its nuclear program, missile capabilities, or support for resistance movements in negotiations.
Atoum noted that mediation efforts by some countries aim to prevent direct confrontation, but “it appears that the decision for war has already been made, and negotiations are largely a cover.”
Some experts believe the cost of surrendering and dismantling Iran’s nuclear program would exceed the cost of war.
He described Iran’s current strategy as based on three pillars: military deterrence, maintaining the spirit of resistance, and conditional negotiation.
Iranian military officials, he said, have repeatedly stated that “fingers are on the trigger” and the country is ready for any possibility.
Atoum warned that even a limited strike could escalate into a regional war.
He added that the United States has spent enormous sums deploying naval forces, but these assets are politically and financially vulnerable.
“A limited strike will change nothing and may even undermine America’s image, but Washington seeks a blow that restores its lost credibility.”
Atoum concluded by saying that Iran is not a reckless state and acts with rationality—
“Just as after the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, Iran responded with a calculated strike on Ayn al‑Asad rather than a widespread attack.”
He added that Washington knows new negotiations will not achieve its demands, and a narrow window remains for the U.S. to secure even minimal concessions.