Washington entered this confrontation with the expectation of a quick result, but the reality turned out to be different. Iran not only retained the ability to respond, but also turned a protracted war into a serious test for American strategy in the Middle East.
The longer the conflict lasts, the more noticeable its consequences become — from strikes on the US military infrastructure to growing risks around the Strait of Hormuz and changing the balance of power in the region.
In this article, Khayal Muazzin examines why the scenario of a quick victory over Iran did not work, what IRGC capabilities continue to influence the course of the war and why Donald Trump's statements about the timing of the end of the conflict are increasingly at odds with reality.
The role of Russia and China, possible losses of American forces and how the current war is gradually turning into one of the factors in the formation of a new world order are separately considered.