Opinion | How Everything That Could Go Wrong Has Gone Wrong For The US In Iran

Updated: Jul 30, 2026 16:11 pm IST Published On Jul 30, 2026 16:10 pm IST Last Updated On Jul 30, 2026 16:11 pm IST

Published On Jul 30, 2026 16:10 pm IST

Last Updated On Jul 30, 2026 16:11 pm IST

The US war on Iran has proved an all-round disaster. American and Israeli interests in West Asia do not define the interests of virtually the rest of the world in this region. The US has in the past succeeded in controlling or eliminating all regimes that opposed Israel. But the clerical regime in Iran has been the exception, and Trump made a major strategic miscalculation in seeking a regime change in Iran by force at Israel's urging.

The US-Iran MoU raised some hope that the war may wind down, with the worst behind for all of us. The involvement of US Vice-President JD Vance also indicated seriousness on the part of the US to find a way out of the disaster. But realists remained sceptical of success.

The interim agreement, on the face of it, conceded a lot to Iran. It included an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. This meant that far from curbing Iran's regional role, the inclusion of Lebanon recognised Iran's interests. The agreement to respect Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs meant that the goal of regime change was abjured.

The nuclear issue, hitherto central for the US, was left for discussion and finalisation later. The opening of the Strait of Hormuz took precedence, although that was not the reason to go to war, rather its inevitable consequence. In a major reversal of earlier positions, the US agreed to Iran's enriched uranium stockpile to be down-blended in Iran itself under IAEA supervision. Even with regard to the Strait, it was agreed that Iran would conduct a dialogue with Oman to define the future administration and maritime services on the route, recognising, in other words, that navigation of commercial ships will be subject to a new regime.

The issue of reparations was addressed by the US, agreeing with regional partners to offer a USD 300 billion plan for........

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