The United States and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran on February 28, initially described as a preventive operation aimed at halting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and destroying its ballistic missile capabilities. Despite weeks of intense fighting, those objectives remain unfulfilled. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also hoped to trigger internal unrest in Iran, but Trump later admitted that such an outcome was too dangerous. After threatening Iran with total destruction, Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, but peace talks in Islamabad ended without agreement.

The breakdown of negotiations has renewed fears of a wider conflict. Although the US maintained military advantages, Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz gave it strategic leverage, influencing global oil prices and markets. The article compares this situation to past US military failures in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, citing repeated strategic misjudgments and overconfidence among American leaders.

As domestic inflation and fuel prices rise, Trump faces mounting political pressure ahead of midterm elections. Analysts suggest he must now choose between accepting Iran’s terms to end the war or escalating into a prolonged conflict.