For the Iranian leadership, the so-called US "economic war" has evolved into a domestic security risk, prompting a more hardline stance at this juncture.
A growing sense of economic despair among the Iranian people could trigger a new wave of anti-government protests. Last December, a currency crisis sparked nationwide demonstrations, which were subsequently suppressed by security forces with deadly force.
Hadi Borhani, a professor of Israeli and Middle Eastern studies at the University of Tehran, stated that Iranian officials fear Israel might exploit domestic discontent to support dissidents or armed insurgency. He pointed to recent comments from the Israeli Defense Minister and Prime Minister. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated this week, "There is still more work to be done. First and foremost, the overthrow of this regime. The end of this Iranian regime is near." The Iranian government does not want to wait for Israel to act. Borhani said, "They believe Iran should change the situation, which may require more destructive or aggressive actions to escalate regional tensions."
