Jun 18, 2026 15:45 pm IST

Trump's Iran War: Was It Worth It?

Seema Sirohi Seema Sirohi Contributor

Seema Sirohi Contributor

President Donald Trump attacked Iran to weaken the Islamic Republic, crush its ambitions and neuter it as a regional threat. But he leaves the battlefield with his adversary strategically stronger and forcing compromises.

There's been no regime change and a new version of the old rules still. Also, no descent into oblivion and no abject surrender by Tehran's theocrats. If anything, it was Trump who was keen to end the war, ready to give concessions he would have laughed at when he came into the avatar of the "war president".

The US and Israel declared war to "obliterate" (this time for real) Iran's nuclear programme, exhaust its missiles, decimate its proxies in the region and "liberate" the people by sending armed Kurds and installing a man of their liking on top. None of it materialised in full measure.

Embarrassing and expensive, Trump decided to cut his losses -- a wise move in the eyes of most of the world but capitulation if you listen to the hawks. His most ardent Republican supporters are having a meltdown while the Democrats are asking why wage war only to reward the adversary?

Israel, America's partner and instigator, stands bereft, abandoned by Trump and under pressure to play along with the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be the loneliest politician with his future dark and plans to dominate West Asia in pieces.

Instead, it is Iran that is emerging as the new regional anchor ready to set the table with Gulf........

© NDTV