Picture a giant primate, a beautiful damsel, and an island named Skull. Now tell me what movie I’m thinking of. Exactly—the quintessential story of ape finds girl, ape loses girl, ape falls off a very tall building: King Kong. In 1933, the femme fatale was Fay Wray; in 1976, it was Jessica Lange; and in 2005, Naomi Watts became the subject of the great beast’s adoration. As a movie buff, I can find pros and cons to each version. But as for the classic plot contained in each, it’s a brilliant example of a wonderfully twisted love story.

Once Kong is captured from Skull Island and brought to New York, he is put on display so all can see the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This force of nature stands chained and humiliated as observers gawk and marvel. The audience feels an uneasy safety, trusting in the strength of the chains to protect them. That security is shattered when Kong finally has enough of the show and breaks free of his chains, wreaking havoc in the theater and eventually throughout New York City.

As I’ve been reading about Iran’s actions lately, I couldn’t help but think of this story. It seems as if the nation’s leaders believe they have somehow found a way to put chains on the U.S. through the pressure of NATO allies, their perceived weakness of President Donald Trump, and the belief that the American public will not stand for another Middle East conflict. These chains, in their minds, will restrain the power of the U.S. military and force them to rely on economic pressure instead. Because there is no concern over military repercussions, the ayatollahs keep prodding and poking at the great beast without fear of retribution.

To many, this belief was proven after Iran recently shot down an American drone. This unmanned surveillance craft with the wingspan of a 737 was proven by U.S. intelligence to have been over international waters when it was destroyed. Many called for a rapid and powerful response, but none came. This was a humiliation for the more hawkish politicians and news commentators. To them it was proof that the president does not have what it takes to lead the world’s strongest military. Meanwhile in Iran, events were moving along just as they had planned. They had been confident that Trump would not strike back, and they were proven right.

I see the situation differently. I don’t have a problem with the restraint that President Trump showed. While there may be times when lives must be lost in military retaliation, the president didn’t feel this was one of those times. Instead, he launched a cyber attack against their missile systems. At the same time, he is ramping up economic sanctions to an even higher level, while leaving the door open to a military option if necessary. After Trump called off the airstrike, I tweeted, “If your overall policy is right, it’s not weakness to show patience and not be trigger happy.”

The leaders of Iran have a fundamental misconception of America and its president. They picture the United States as that chained beast up on the stage—it may have a loud roar, but it is ultimately harmless. What they don’t understand is that while the chains may be strong, they are not enough to hold back the power of the beast if it is pushed too far. If on their next attempt to prod Kong, American lives are lost, the ayatollahs will see the restraints shatter and they will feel the full strength of the beast’s fury. For the sake of both our nations, let’s pray it doesn’t come to that.