The latest escalation between the United States and Iran has seen a series of missile strikes, with civilians also caught in the fighting.

Al Jazeera English speaks to Mostafa Khoshcheshm, a professor at the University of Applied Sciences in Tehran, about Iran’s response to the US strikes and the strategic calculations behind the conflict.

The interview also examines the reported civilian toll, including a US strike that Iranian officials say hit a wedding gathering in southern Iran and killed four people, including two children.

Khoshcheshm argues that Washington underestimated Iran’s resolve and discusses Iran’s air defences, military targets and its ability to withstand economic pressure.

He also addresses Iran’s economy, oil revenues and the impact of sanctions, arguing that Tehran views the confrontation as an existential struggle.

Claims made by the interviewee concerning military interceptions, targets and Iran’s economic position are presented as his assessment and have not been independently verified by Al Jazeera.

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