In Tehran They Understood What Israel Knew Long Ago — Iran Expert

Iran expert Dr. Raz Zimet explained why Trump again postponed an attack on Tehran. According to him, Iranians are beginning to understand that the US president is not interested in escalation. Zimet also assessed the talks on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's possible reaction, including the threat to the Leviathan gas field. He suggested that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is likely alive, but his power is weakening.

Iran expert Dr. Raz Zimet, head of the Iran program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), commented in an interview with radio station 103FM on US President Donald Trump's decision to again postpone a large-scale attack on Iran. According to Zimet, Iranians take the threats seriously, but, like Israelis, they are beginning to understand that Trump is not interested in escalation. He noted that reports are emerging of talks between Iran and Oman with Qatar's mediation, and the only issue under discussion is the Strait of Hormuz. Zimet believes that Iran is not ready to return to the previous status quo in Hormuz. The expert also assessed the potential damage from an Iranian attack: significant damage to the Gulf states, as well as a threat to Israel, including the Leviathan gas field. Responding to a question about Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Zimet expressed the opinion that he is likely alive, but his ability to govern remotely is weakening.