TEHRAN — Iran's military commanders are evaluating response options as Israeli and American airstrikes continue to target Iranian-linked facilities across Syria and Iraq. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has convened emergency sessions to assess proportional retaliation measures that avoid triggering broader regional warfare.

Senior Iranian officials signal growing frustration with the sustained campaign against Tehran's regional network. Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi declared Tuesday that Iran reserves the right to defend its interests through "all available means," while stopping short of specific threats. The regime faces mounting domestic pressure to demonstrate strength following weeks of strikes on weapons depots and command centers.

Regional analysts suggest Iran's options range from proxy attacks through Hezbollah and Iraqi militias to direct missile strikes on Israeli territory. "Tehran is walking a tightrope between appearing weak domestically and avoiding a war it cannot win," said Dr. Farid Zakaria, Middle East specialist at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The regime's calculation involves preserving its nuclear program while maintaining regional influence.

Military experts warn that Iran's conventional forces remain outmatched by Israeli air superiority and American naval presence in the Gulf. Colonel Sarah Mitchell, former Pentagon Middle East advisor, notes that "Iran's asymmetric capabilities through proxy networks remain its most viable option for meaningful retaliation." Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered military planners to prepare graduated response scenarios while avoiding actions that could justify expanded Western intervention.