The war on Iran: Nobody won, everyone paid

The United States and Israel have concluded a prolonged military and strategic campaign against Iran, which has failed to achieve its primary objectives of significantly degrading Iran's regional influence or nuclear program, according to a new analysis. The campaign, which involved covert actions, economic sanctions, and diplomatic pressure over several years, has instead resulted in a costly stalemate with widespread regional consequences. While Iran's economy and infrastructure suffered severe damage from sanctions and targeted operations, the Islamic Republic demonstrated remarkable resilience. Its network of proxy militias across the Middle East remains largely intact, and its nuclear program, though delayed, continues to advance. The campaign's failure to produce a decisive outcome has left the strategic balance in the region largely unchanged, but at a tremendous price. The broader Gulf region has borne significant collateral costs. Key transit routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, have experienced disruptions, impacting global energy supplies and shipping. Neighboring Arab states have faced economic instability and security threats, caught between the pressure from Western allies and the need to avoid open conflict with Tehran. The financial and human toll of the prolonged confrontation has been high for all parties involved, creating a fragile and volatile security environment with no clear victor.