The uncertain endgame of the Iran war

The war between the United States–Israel alliance and Iran has entered a complex phase where battlefield destruction has not translated into political collapse. The campaign began with clearly articulated objectives: dismantle Iran’s nuclear capability, destroy its ballistic missile infrastructure, degrade its naval forces, and eliminate the networks through which Iran projects power across the Middle East.

In the early stages of the conflict, large-scale aerial operations targeted missile depots, drone launch facilities, naval installations, command centers, and strategic infrastructure deep inside Iranian territory, including several high-value targets around Tehran.

Weeks into the war, however, the central political objective—the collapse or surrender of the Iranian regime—has not occurred. Iran’s military capacity has unquestionably been damaged.

Missile sites, storage depots, air defense systems, and drone manufacturing facilities have been hit repeatedly. Thousands of targets have reportedly been struck, and casualties have included civilians, senior officials, and military commanders. Yet the Iranian state itself remains intact.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026