But it is weakness

Bolton Tells Iran: Do Not Mistake U.S. ‘Prudence' for Weakness

Iran should not “mistake U.S. prudence and discretion for weakness” U.S.

The only way to deal with a bully is to out bully them. Either you take them on toe to toe, or you get them in to the system and let them have something else to fight besides you. Anything  that results in them still being in the same position after bullying you is a victory to them. They have successfully expanded their boundaries.