IRAN: WHO WON THE WAR?

The answer depends entirely on what each side set out to achieve.

Militarily, the United States and Israel demonstrated overwhelming superiority. Iranian military infrastructure, missile production facilities, senior commanders, and strategic assets suffered significant damage. Iran proved unable to match the conventional military capabilities of its opponents, reinforcing the reality that it remains vulnerable in a direct confrontation.

Politically, however, the picture is more complicated. Tehran also demonstrated that it could impose real economic costs on the international community through its ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States also discovered the limits of military power. Although it dominated the battlefield, Washington ultimately accepted negotiations instead of pursuing the complete dismantling of Iran's strategic capabilities.

The conflict is not over, it merely enters into a new chapter. Who is the winner? In the end, every side can claim a measure of success. What happens next is important. Currently we are not able to see clearly who has the upper hand.

Why this matters

The war also carries an important lesson for international politics. States watching the conflict will likely conclude that strategic deterrence remains essential. Countries facing powerful adversaries may become even more determined to strengthen their military capabilities, while others will seek new alliances to avoid strategic isolation. This means high military spendig becomes the norm evermore. Taxpayers will feel the efect of these changes.