Such arguments highlight one of the central dilemmas now facing Tehran.

If Iran responds too cautiously, conservatives fear that Washington and its allies may conclude that military and economic pressure can be imposed without significant consequences. But if Tehran escalates too aggressively, it risks turning a limited confrontation into a broader regional war and further damaging an already fragile economy.

A conservative source close to Iran’s power centres described the current situation as a possible period of “war between wars” in which both sides are studying previous confrontations and preparing for the next one.

The United States, the source said, appears to be pursuing several objectives simultaneously: increasing economic pressure, weakening Iran’s regional leverage, conducting periodic strikes, changing the strategic balance and rebuilding its military and intelligence capabilities.

“The key question is who benefits from time,” the source said.