Now that the first side has attacked, Iran can now retaliate without being called the aggressor.

Best strategy:

1. Target all aircraft / refuelers first

If they take out as much aircraft/refuelers as possible whilst they are grounded, it allows them more chance for a sustainable battle. Without air superiority they cannot sustain their attacks indefinitely. Iran already said their response would be swift and different this time so it would match what was expected. (*See note below)

2. Target the carriers

Use enough missiles to damage / sink the carriers so that the soldiers are forced to abandon them. Then use rescue boats to take the survivors to shore and use them as leverage for negotiations. Heavily publicize this on media channels showing real American lives being used.

• Most importantly do not use all missile sites, keep missile sites hidden, only targeted strikes for these two aims.

After that initial strategy, either America will back down or it will be a sustained campaign and they can then take whatever means necessary to achieve the end goal but this way it deals the necessary and limited blow needed for preventing a prolonged war.