| The war did not start in 2022, it started in February 2026. There were no clear objectives when the war started, but the Trump administration has waffled since about: Regime change - hasn't happened. The current regime is still running the country. The end of the assumed nuclear program - hasn't happened. Destruction of Iran's military - hasn't happened. Iran is still sending drone strikes against US bases in neighbouring countries. and more recently, opening the Hormuz Strait to commercial shipping - hasn't happened. Not a single identified US objective in the war has been achieved, and the USA has lost massive respect from the rest of the world because it has been unable to achieve any of its objectives against a third-rate country. It has also drained its interceptor reserves in a way that might have material effect on future conflicts (e.g. Taiwan) As for Iran, it didn't start the war so it doesn't get a checklist of objectives. However: Iran is selling oil that it was previously unable to because of sanctions. The on-again-off-again US blockade of the strait isn't really affecting this. The regime has a much tighter grip on power than it had pre-war, there are no mass demonstrations and it is not shooting its own civilians any more It has confirmed control over the Hormuz strait and looks likely to be able to charge tolls in the future. It has seen the Middle East pull away from the USA and pull together, a strategic benefit for it. There is no reading of this war that makes the USA look good here. It was a mistake in the first place and it's been a colossal cock-up ever since. |