Iran-sanctioned attacks on U.S. personnel has surged since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel as Iran may pressure Washington to ease Israel's fight against Hamas and Hezbollah.

Missile defense tech is so advanced that Iran knows its attacks will be thwarted, avoiding an all-out war. But what happens when that assumption no longer holds true?

Iranian leaders have decided to respond to last week's Israeli attack, but the nature and timing remain unclear amid conflicting reports.