Amid anticipation of Israeli reprisals for Iran’s Apr. 14 attack on military sites in Israel, Iranian media is rife with speculations about possible scenarios ahead. Speaking to pro-reform Sharq daily, controversial pundit and retired professor Sadeq Zibakalam said it would be unwise not to get prepared for the worst-case scenario, referring to all-out war. Reviled by hardliners, Zibakalam has come under sharp criticism from conservatives in recent days over his warnings about major threats ahead.

As part of the debate, conservatives and pro-reform voices are also discussing whether the geopolitical equation is in favor of Iran. Political analyst Ali Bigdeli told Reformist daily Setareh Sobh that under current conditions, the regional...