Abas Aslani, a senior fellow at the Tehran-based Center for Middle East Strategic Studies, said that despite a series of attacks on the territories of its Gulf neighbors, Iran is still seeking to repair relations with them. He stated, “Iran’s actions are consistent with pre-war practices: striving for a negotiated solution through diplomatic negotiations and related channels.” He added, “There is a misinterpretation and bias in the US and the West that interprets any flexibility Iran displays as a sign of weakness.” This stance “could have a catastrophic effect, even being seen as a ‘red carpet’ inviting further attacks against Iran.” Aslani pointed out that despite the escalation, Iran has consistently tried to limit the scope and scale of its response to US actions. “Iranian officials have held some consultations with their counterparts in the region aimed at repairing relations. Israel and the US are not happy about this because they are trying to create division between Iran and its neighbors.”
