“Iran, with 35 years of preparation and a strategy calibrated to outlast rather than outgun, may be winning the war.”

“Iran’s regional power and political influence greatly expanded after its nemesis was removed in 2003, with implications that are all too obvious today.”

“This war, intended to weaken Iran, has in crucial ways strengthened it.”

“Trump will at some point declare that his Iran mission is accomplished, but it likely won’t be because the United States has achieved its political goals.”

“Iran has surely been hammered by air strikes, and lost its navy and air force, but Iran as a whole continues to defend itself.”

“Pakistan has unusual credibility as a mediator, maintaining workable ties with both Washington and Tehran.”

“Iran is no longer signaling restraint. It is signaling reach, and doing so under live warfighting conditions.”

“If your head and your heart is not in it when you go to war, it’s going to be a lot more difficult to accomplish your objectives.”

“The choice now is not between hawkishness and compassion—but between exerting dominance and exercising a complete power.”

“The economies of the Gulf states depend not only on oil and gas but also on their role as hubs for global investment and tourism.”