•President Donald Trump and advisors initially downplayed Iran's retaliation risk to US-Israeli strikes, prioritizing weakening Iran's leadership.
•Iran responded forcefully, targeting neighboring Gulf nations, US Fifth Fleet offices, and embassies, contrary to expectations.
•Tehran began installing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening oil-carrying ships; Trump warned of "never-before-seen consequence."
•Despite initial dismissals by Energy Secretary Chris Wright and advisors, miscalculation led to shipping slowdowns, oil price jumps, and rising US gasoline prices.
•Iran's current response is more aggressive, with missile and drone barrages on US bases, Arab cities, and Israeli centers, and no clear US plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
