Analysis of U.S.-Iran Conflict: Limited Military Gains and Unmet Goals

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0200

After more than five weeks of military conflict and a subsequent two-week ceasefire, the U.S. war with Iran has largely failed to achieve its stated objectives. President Trump's goals included ending Iran's nuclear program, dismantling its military, and triggering regime change. While U.S. and Israeli operations caused damage to Iran's forces, the Iranian military remains operational, continuing strikes in Israel, the Gulf, and occasionally targeting U.S. bases. The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control, with Tehran imposing fees on some tankers and allowing limited passage, creating a new economic and geopolitical leverage point. Contrary to initial claims, Iran's nuclear ambitions persist, and the assassination of top leaders may have strengthened the hardline government. Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader, has assumed leadership, appearing even more hardline, raising concerns about future nuclear development. Additionally, the U.S. faced backlas