The article by the Director General of Iran’s Information Council analyzes why the recent Iran–US conflict failed to unfold as Washington had planned. Following a 12-day war between Iran and Israel, the United States entered what it expected to be a short, controlled engagement aimed at forcing Iran into retreat. Instead, the confrontation expanded into a 40-day war of attrition that imposed significant military, economic, and political costs on the US.

According to the analysis, Washington misjudged Iran’s strategic behavior, underestimating its missile and air defense capabilities and the potential impact of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran shifted its focus from Israel to US bases across the region, while its technological advances challenged US air superiority. The conflict also revealed the resilience of Iranian society, which rallied around national resistance rather than collapsing under pressure. Regional allies aligned with Iran increased battlefield complexity, and NATO’s limited support exposed fractures in US alliances.

The war’s continuation triggered domestic opposition in the US, rising oil prices, and international political setbacks. Ultimately, the US accepted Iran’s terms to begin negotiations after 40 days, marking a strategic deadlock that will likely shape future policy debates in Washington.