I've missed this argument (so much to keep track off/digest at the moment here and elsewhere) but what you say sounds very plausible (re: s400s). I think the Iranians were exercising restraint unlike the mad dog states but part of that is not attacking until your defences can cope with any potential response. Makes a lot of sense.

I doubt the Iranians would trust the yanks on anything ever, least of all when they are starting to crank the war machine up.

I posted another Prof. Marandi video above and I've only just started listening but he seems to be going into some of the strategic thinking in that; might be useful.

I seem to remember the S400s being a major factor in Syria too.