Middle East specialist Wang Jin says reported US and Israeli plans to strike Iran's energy infrastructure appear aimed at forcing Tehran back to the negotiating table and extracting greater concessions. He warns such strikes would likely escalate tensions. Wang adds he doubts the threats will be carried out; Iran has so far withstood attacks and can retaliate, so sustained US strikes are unlikely to break the current stalemate.

2026-08-02

Middle East specialist Wang Jin says reported US and Israeli plans to strike Iran's energy infrastructure appear aimed at forcing Tehran back to the negotiating table and extracting greater concessions. He warns such strikes would likely escalate tensions. Wang adds he doubts the threats will be carried out; Iran has so far withstood attacks and can retaliate, so sustained US strikes are unlikely to break the current stalemate.