JERUSALEM (VINnews) — In recent days, the Iranians have been leading the Americans into a humiliating pattern. They have absorbed significant blows from the power of the U.S. military and the IDF. Parts of the Iranian regime’s leadership have been eliminated. Most of Iran’s internal security headquarters have been destroyed, from police stations in districts and neighborhoods to central command centers.

The situation has reached a point where junior commanders, due to the elimination of senior officials, are forced to command forces for which they were never trained and in which they lack experience, for example, a platoon commander suddenly becoming a battalion commander within days. The Iranians have suffered severe damage to their air defense systems, missile arrays, nuclear facilities, government buildings, and infrastructure. However, the core of the damage lies in the defense industries and sectors that serve as a backbone of Iran’s economy.

Despite all this, the Iranian regime does not seem to recognize that the stronger side at the moment, at least on paper, is the United States and Israel. And herein lies a more serious and dangerous problem than a thousand ballistic missiles or enriched material in their possession.

Their internal perception that they survived the attack, along with the fact that the regime is still standing, is a highly significant development. After all, sooner or later, the Iranians will rebuild and restore what was destroyed. Iran is rich in natural resources: oil, gas, iron, and other minerals. With money, they can rebuild the damage and even purchase weapons systems from China, North Korea, Russia, and possibly even Europe.

If, after all these powerful actions, Iran still manages to “lead Donald Trump by the nose” and force the United States to “crawl on its belly,” it would be a dramatic blow to America’s global standing vis-à-vis China, Russia, Europe, and the rest of the world. Has the United States reached the limits of its immense power?

If the U.S. backs down here, Iran could become the dominant power in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. Beyond that, it could influence the global economy by controlling the opening and closing of the vital oil supply artery through the Strait of Hormuz. The issue now is not just nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, or the stability of the ayatollah regime, it is a battle over the narrative of “the day after.”

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Hezbollah is also trying to reshape the balance with Israel. The organization violated the ceasefire during the holiday. In Israel, it is assessed that Hezbollah is attempting to reestablish deterrence with the IDF. Northern Command is currently working to avoid being dragged into escalation.

During the time window between Memorial Day and Independence Day, about an hour before the start of the torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl, Hezbollah fired a large number of rockets toward IDF forces operating in the area of Rmeish opposite Misgav Am. At the same time, it launched a drone toward the Galilee, which was intercepted by the Iron Dome. The IDF struck the launcher from which the rockets were fired and destroyed it.

During the afternoon hours yesterday, Hezbollah launched a hostile aerial vehicle toward IDF forces operating south of the forward defense line in southern Lebanon. The aircraft was intercepted by the Air Force and did not cross into Israeli territory.

After the Independence Day celebrations, it is clear to all that the political leadership must make decisions on how to act regarding Iran and Lebanon. A period of waiting in the midst of war does not help shape Israel’s security situation in the region.