Iranian press review: Political figures expect continued but limited confrontation with US Submitted by MEE correspondent on Thu, 07/16/2026 - 10:25 Meanwhile, Tehran's city council considers shelters in new buildings, a reformist figure urges authorities to avoid prolonging the war This US Navy handout photo taken on 30 June 2026 by US Central Command Public Affairs shows the Carrier Air Wing 7 flying in formation over the USS George HW Bush in the Arabian Sea (AFP) Off Officials see limited conflict more likely than all-out war A majority of Iranian political figures have said a full-scale military conflict between Iran and the US is unlikely, but warned that limited confrontations will possibly continue. On Tuesday, Khabar Online interviewed five current and former political figures from across the political spectrum about the future of military confrontations with the US. While they offered different views on the future of relations between the two countries, most agreed that neither side appears willing to enter a prolonged war.
Instead, they expected military pressure, limited clashes, and diplomatic efforts to continue. Former moderate lawmaker Ali Motahari said the recent exchanges are unlikely to develop into a broader conflict. "I don't think the current exchanges will lead to a full-scale war because neither side wants one," he said.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Conservative politician Mohsen Kouhkan expressed a similar view, saying Washington is not prepared for a protracted military conflict. "The US is not ready to enter a full-scale, long-term war," he said, arguing that Washington's recent threats were intended mainly to increase pressure rather than to start a wider conflict. Tehran to expand shelter network The Tehran City Council is considering a plan that would require shelters and safe spaces in many buildings across the capital and allow metro stations and public parking facilities to be used as emergency shelters.
Following the two wars that the US and Israel launched against Iran since June 2025, residents, civil society activists, and urban planning experts criticised the lack of shelters to protect people during attacks.
Summary from source