The ongoing Iran conflict—whether we call it a limited war or something more escalating—isn’t entirely surprising in hindsight. The timing does raise eyebrows, as some argue the U.S. establishment, amid domestic controversies like the Epstein saga, might have escalated to divert public attention. That theory has a certain plausibility, but rather than dwelling on why the U.S. and Israel might have initiated or intensified hostilities, let’s shift perspective: What has driven Iran to pursue confrontation for decades? More intriguingly, what endgame do the Iranian mullahs envision, regardless of the war’s outcome?
The 1979 Islamic Revolution rested on two pillars: religious faith and deep-seated enmity toward the United States (and, by extension, Israel). The faith-based element, however irrational it may seem to outsiders, has historical precedents. Many countries in the Islamic world—especially those founded on religious zealotry—claim to uphold Islamic values and protect Muslims. Some, like Turkey, draw on imperial legacies. These nations often band together in forums like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to advance shared geopolitical and strategic interests against non-Islamic powers. Beneath the surface of religious fervor, however, most maintain pragmatic dealings with the wider world. Trade has no religion, and the non-Islamic world remains dominant. Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the UAE have thrived by adopting sound economic policies, attracting talent, and pursuing rational foreign relations. Even Turkey, despite its assertive Islamic rhetoric, aligns with NATO and sees itself as part of Europe.
Iran’s mullahs, however, chose a radically different path—one that has led straight to the current, seemingly unwinnable confrontation.
Iran’s leadership blends intense Shiite religious zealotry with a sense of historical destiny rooted in Iran’s pre-Islamic Persian heritage. (As an aside, Iran was a Sunni state till 17th century when it made a drastic shift towards Shiasm) While the ancient civilization boasts genuine achievements, the mullahs cannot credibly claim direct lineage to that glory. They selectively invoke the past while imposing their theocratic vision, positioning themselves as the ultimate protectors of Shiasm and—ambitiously—the rightful leaders of the entire Muslim world. Public bluster is one thing; making such delusions a core governing principle is another.
Shortly after the revolution, Iran plunged into an eight-year war with Iraq (1980–1988), costing perhaps a million lives with little territorial or strategic gain. One ironic outcome: Iran shed its role as a Western-aligned pawn under the Shah, while Iraq briefly became one. Meanwhile, Iran shifted to asymmetric warfare, building proxy networks in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and elsewhere. It funneled billions to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, stirring anti-Israel sentiment among non-Sunni populations to expand influence.
From a geopolitical standpoint, proxy meddling makes sense only if it yields tangible benefits—much like Western interventions often protect economic interests. But what has Iran realistically gained from endless anti-Israel rhetoric and support for militias? Slogans about “wiping Israel off the map” have produced little beyond reciprocal threats and sermons. Yet Tehran has persisted, seemingly convinced that such hostility would elevate it as the preeminent Islamic power and leader of the ummah.
This ambition to dominate the Islamic world by variety of Islamic zealots dates back centuries and has rarely succeeded. For Iran, it has backfired spectacularly, leading not to regional hegemony but to isolation, sanctions, and now direct military pressure. Decades of 'investment' evaporated in last three years since Hamas is decimated (along with 50,000 Palestinians!), Hizbollah already in ashes, Syria and Lebanon quickly overthrowing the Assads. The so called geo-strategy now in complete ruins.
Iranian army has done a great job in countering initial US-Israeli onslaught by effectively closing the gulf passage. Iran, and we should tip our hat at their brilliant strategy, made this war everyone's business - anyone who uses petrol or LPG gas, is now 'at war' here. How long before US and Israel claim 'victory' and back down? A week more? Two weeks?
The real tragedy falls on Iran’s common people, who endure economic hardship, repression, and the costs of perpetual conflict. Paradoxically, ongoing tensions often strengthen the regime’s grip: external threats justify internal crackdowns, rally nationalist support, and sustain the narrative of resistance against “arrogant powers.” The mullahs themselves live in luxury, insulated from the suffering they inflict.
