U.S. Flexing Muscles in Persian Gulf

The U.S. has beefed up its presence in the Persian Gulf in the past few weeks, and is now conducting exercises designed to "send a message" to Iran.

It seems as though the idiots in the White House have not figured out that this approach does not work. This kind of intimidation is less effective against countries like Iran, that are largely driven by Religious ideology (much like the United States). Would the United States cower if China held Naval exercises off of our coast? Of course not... the U.S. would take that as a challenge. So why do the neocons believe that Iran would cower? This is a country driven by a strong belief in martyrdom and its people are taught not to fear their enemies. Or could it be that the neocons know this and are hoping to spark a confrontation?