'Mad dog strategy': Analyst says Iran risking regional backlash

David Des Roches, a professor at the Thayer Marshall Institute, analyses six days of US–Israel strikes and Iran’s response. He says US and Israeli forces show “impressive” capability, sustaining over 2,000 strikes from thousands of miles away despite GCC basing limits. Their campaign targets Iran’s nuclear sites, air defences, missile bases and regime figures – but this wide focus dilutes overall impact.
By contrast, Des Roches calls Iran’s performance “less impressive”, with missile launches dropping from 179 on day one to a few dozen daily. He notes little visible damage to Israeli or Jordanian aircraft, but a worrying shift to striking civilian and energy infrastructure in GCC states.
Des Roches says Iran’s use of cheap drones versus costly interceptor missiles creates a dangerous cost asymmetry for defenders, who often rely on far more expensive interceptor missiles. This tactic could prolong the conflict and further destabilise the region. He describes this as a “mad dog strategy” that risks uniting neighbours against Iran and validating claims it is a threat to the region.
On US aims, he argues Washington is unlikely to invade, instead seeking to crush Iran’s military threat, keep sanctions, and let internal pressure drive change.

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