India, June 23 -- The United States' strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have exacerbated the situation in the Middle East, which is already reeling under Israel's wars against Hamas in Gaza and Iran. US President Donald Trump's decision to launch the strikes has forced Iran to weigh its options against Washington. What can Iran do to respond to the US strikes that don't embroil it in an all-out and protracted war?

Iran has myriad options - including Iran striking US bases and closing waterways. However, it is likely to choose an option with low risks, especially since its principal nemesis is Israel, which attacked unprovoked, to cripple Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

Iran can task its proxies in Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon to attack US m...