Shahyr Shahidthales, a researcher on Iranian affairs, said that Moḥsen Rezaei’s remarks show that disagreements at the top of the Islamic Republic over how to deal with the United States have intensified. He added that Rezaei agrees with continuing the war and expanding the fighting in order to increase pressure on the United States, while Pezeshkian and Qalibaf believe that ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and reaching an agreement are necessary to escape the crisis.

He also said that Rezaei’s threat to attack U.S. economic interests in the region shows that part of the leadership has lost hope in influencing events through the Strait of Hormuz and is now seeking to raise the price of oil by expanding the conflict.