The experts: Iran's revenge will be on par with the top general's icon status

British experts Tom Beckett and John Raine, at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), answered SVT News's questions over email.

Will Qassem Soleimani's death make it harder for Iran to operate in the region?

- No. Iran's network of influence in the Middle East, which General Soleimani has built, is larger than himself. These networks make it possible to control, control and communicate throughout the region and will undermine any revenge action decided by Iran. Rather than a spectacular revenge, Iran is likely to use its network to question the US presence in the region as soon as possible. This will happen over time and be presented as a story of constant pressure on the United States. In the absence of the main strategist - General Soleimani - Iran's response is likely to be well thought out rather than power seeking.

How will Iran act after the drone attack?

- Iran's response is likely to be on par with Soleimani's icon status. It must be noticeable. But Iran must now consider that the US has shown clear signs of determination. Iran will plan a countermeasure, but there is also a risk that demonstrations of defiance and ability are made in sympathy with, but not organized by, Tehran. Especially from Hezbollah and Ansarullah (the Houthis). They were both favored by Soleimani's policies. In his absence, ironically, they could act more independently than they could have done had he been there to hold them back.

How likely is a new war?

- US determination was questioned in the region (and by Iran). This clear demonstration of US determination is likely to be aimed at convincing Iran that a war would be completely counterproductive. Neither the US nor Iran wants a general war. The attack on Soleimani means new parameters for the US-Iran conflict that will make the conflict more difficult to control and test the US's deterrent capabilities, diplomacy and defense. All three have recently been ineffective. Whether they will be more effective afterwards is the main question. Right now, the ball is on Iran's half.