US-Iran mutual attacks widen conflict; strategic calculations unchanged

The US and Iran have escalated mutual attacks, widening the conflict's scope, but neither side's core strategy has shifted: Washington aims to force Tehran to capitulate via maritime blockade and economic pressure, while Tehran seeks to raise costs and oil prices to pressure the Trump administration ahead of midterms. The continuation of this tit-for-tat risks further escalation, though both sides appear to avoid full-scale war.