Iran seeks escalation and higher stakes for all, says Middle East expert

Middle East affairs academic Heba Raouf stated that Iranian attacks are not limited to the Strait of Hormuz, but also extend to the Gulf coastlines.

In a call with Al Arabiya FM, she added that Iran aims to escalate tensions, take risks, and raise the cost for everyone, claiming this would force US President Donald Trump to accommodate its demands.

Raouf further explained that Houthi escalation cannot be separated from Iran's objective, which is to pressure all parties with the message that any US military strike on Tehran would come at a high cost.

She noted that Iran is pushing the Houthis to escalate in order to pressure Gulf states and the United States.

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