Prominent American political scientist John Mearsheimer has stated that Iran maintained a position of strength during the major conflict between Iran and the American-Israeli axis, asserting that it was the Israeli regime that pressured Washington to mediate a ceasefire out of fear of defeat.

Speaking to Russia Today, Mearsheimer explained that during the 12-day war, Israeli forces encountered significant difficulties as Iran launched ballistic missiles that Israeli defense systems could not intercept. “Every day, the situation was getting worse for the Israelis,” the University of Chicago professor noted.

“After 12 days, it was Israel that pressured Trump to end the war, not Iran,” Mearsheimer emphasized. “Many even criticized Iran for accepting the ceasefire because it appeared the balance of power had shifted in Iran’s favor, and Tehran had the upper hand.”

The American analyst stressed that current conditions remain unchanged, noting that Iran possesses a substantial arsenal of ballistic missiles capable of inflicting significant damage on Israel. Consequently, Tel Aviv seeks to avoid direct engagement and prefers that the United States undertake heavy military operations on its behalf.

Mearsheimer referenced Tehran’s position that even if the United States attacks Iran unilaterally, Iran’s response will inevitably target the Israeli regime as well. He revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump intended to attack Iran on January 14, but the Israeli regime, fearing Iran’s response, dissuaded Trump from launching the strike.

“Today, this serves as a deterrent force against a U.S. attack on Iran, because Israel will be the target (of Iran’s response),” Mearsheimer concluded, highlighting Iran’s strategic positioning in the regional power dynamic.

The analyst’s assessment underscores the complex military calculus facing Washington and Tel Aviv as tensions persist in the Middle East, with Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities serving as a critical factor in regional deterrence equations.