US-Israeli Offensive on Iran: Prolonged Conflict and Potential Backfire
A coordinated offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28, could trigger a long-lasting and potentially volatile conflict, according to various international sources. The attack, intended to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, may drive the nation to build a secret bomb, warn proliferation experts.
Context and Background
The US-Israeli offensive aims to resolve a 24-year standoff over Iran's nuclear program. The regime in Tehran has long insisted that the program is for civilian purposes and it has no intention of creating a nuclear weapon. However, the discovery of two undeclared sites for uranium enrichment and heavy water plutonium production in 2002 has cast a shadow of suspicion over the program.
Developments and Reactions
The massive airstrikes on Tehran have resulted in the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, members of his family, and several senior officials. In response, Iran has launched missile strikes on Israel and US facilities in the Middle East, disrupting oil shipments in the Persian Gulf and causing instability in financial and transport infrastructure in the UAE and Qatar.
While a ground invasion seems unlikely, sustained air and missile strikes are expected to weaken Iran's industrial capacity and deepen its economic crisis. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned of painful blows
in the next wave of attacks and has hinted at the introduction of advanced weapons not yet used in the conflict.
Despite these threats, the US and Israel maintain dominance in the region's skies. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated, the two most powerful air forces in the world will have complete control of Iranian skies.
However, the unilateral decision to launch strikes by President Donald Trump has met with mixed responses in Congress, with Democrats seeking to stop the campaign under the 1973 War Powers Act.
Implications
The conflict has already had a profound impact on the region and beyond, with hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded or diverted due to airspace closures across the Middle East. The war could potentially reshape the political map of the Middle East and could signal the end of the century-old regional order established after World War I.
The duration of this conflict remains uncertain, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt estimating the war to last "about four to six weeks,” a timeline echoed by President Trump.
Current Status
As of now, Iran appears prepared for a prolonged conflict, with its missile stockpile large enough to support sustained retaliation. Meanwhile, the US and Israel continue their offensive, with the US Central Command reporting that 43 Iranian vessels have been sunk or damaged since the start of the conflict.
While the ultimate outcome of this war remains uncertain, the impact on the region is undeniable. The world watches as Iran, the US, and Israel continue this dangerous dance of aggression and retaliation.