Why Iran is likely to back away from a fight

"There's been no communications with Iran since the attack," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters in a call after the retaliatory strikes were completed. Biden's challenge But even without direct conversation, there has been plenty of signalling, in both directions. President Joe Biden is engaged in a military, diplomatic and election-year gamble that he can first restore some semblance of deterrence in the region, then help orchestrate a "pause" or ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to allow for hostage exchanges with Israel and then, in the biggest challenge of all, try to reshape the dynamics of the region….