Iran has used similar tactics to the 1980–88 Iran‑Iraq conflict, when it made the Gulf one of the world's most dangerous waterways. The strategy involves increasing oil flows and inflicting asymmetric attacks on U.S. assets across the region. The Iranian government has been preparing for a showdown with Israel and Washington, according to regional sources. This strategy is designed to create economic pain and increase pressure on Washington to end the war. The International Crisis Group's Iran Project Director, Ali Vaez, criticised the US's approach as being "wishful thinking" and lacking preparation for the conflict.