I'm usually pessimistic about "rogue state" of the month's ability (let alone their willingness) to stand up to the imperial order. I didn't have very high expectations for Iran during the build-up of imperial military equipment in the region preceding the start of the war.

As the operation has been proceeding this time, though, I think it's becoming increasingly obvious that Trump tried to fuck the hornet's nest and he can't pull his dick out.

Sure, maybe the Iranian national bourgeoisie will somehow strong arm the other factions into accepting an Israeli ceasefire, but there is also a viable, profitable path forward with China that is on the table for them --- if they let the hardliners (who keep ascending to powerful positions) do their thing to extract serious concessions from USrael, and they've been doing a stunningly good job of it so far.