Behind the scenes of international diplomacy, Iranian elites are increasingly weighing the potential benefits of a war with the United States, as hope for a stable agreement dwindles. The regime views preparation for a "decisive confrontation" as a legitimate means of self-preservation, citing the Libyan example where disarmament led to regime collapse. Concessions in peace talks are seen not as pragmatic diplomacy but as strategic defeats that would undermine the system's core pillars, including its nuclear program and regional influence. Supreme Leader Khamenei's public statements emphasize deterrence, prioritizing the ability to inflict damage over material advantage. State media frames potential conflict as a "test of faith," suggesting the leadership is in a survival trap where the goal is system preservation through asymmetric warfare to force favorable negotiations.