At least four people were killed and dozens injured when two trains collided outside the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Monday. State media report that a stationary commuter train was hit from behind by a long-distance commuter train arriving on the same track
Colour is at the heart of Kashmir’s textile traditions, especially for the world renowned Pashmina shawls and Kashmir silks. Yet producing these rich hues often comes with an environmental cost to ecosystems. Studies show that many textile industries use synthetic dyes during dyeing and printing
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.What makes side-by-side door refrigerators a popular choice in Indian homes? (2026)These refrigerators come with energy efficient inverter compressors and are ideal for families of five
Mumbai man sets road on fire to record birthday reel, gets arrested as video goes viralThe man was booked for pouring inflammable liquid on the road and setting it on fire. Published on: Apr 28, 2026 6:09 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A 33-year-old Mumbai car dealer was arrested by
Starting a business is a dream for many young people today. More individuals are now choosing entrepreneurship over traditional jobs, hoping to build financial independence and long-term success. However, lack of funds often becomes the biggest hurdle
Love Horoscope Today for April 28, 2026: Your love life may take an unexpected turnLove Horoscope Today: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Updated on: Apr 28, 2026 7:41 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link Aries Horoscope Today Love Energy: Attraction and confidence Love
India on Monday named Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union minister Dinesh Trivedi as its next high commissioner to Bangladesh. The appointment is a rare instance of a non-Indian Foreign Service officer being named to the role and comes as New Delhi seeks to reset ties with Dhaka
RRB NTPC UG Exam City Slip 2026 released, download link hereRRB NTPC UG Exam City Slip 2026 has been released. The direct link to download the city intimation slip is given here. Updated on: Apr 28, 2026 7:44 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share via Copy link The Railway
Are the US and Israel trapped in a ‘forever war’ with Iran
Let’s begin with a simple question that rarely gets a straight answer: what would victory over Iran actually look like? In Washington and Jerusalem, the answers tend to sound definitive: eliminate Iran’s nuclear capability, break its regional power, perhaps even force political change at the top. It’s the language of decisive war, the kind with a clear endpoint.
But shift the perspective to Tehran, and the definition changes completely. Victory, for Iran, is survival. That asymmetry shapes the entire conflict. In wars like this, the side that needs less to claim success often has the advantage – and, right now, Iran needs far less.
There is no denying the military imbalance. The US and Israel can strike with extraordinary precision and reach. They have demonstrated that repeatedly – targeting infrastructure, leadership and strategic assets.
But tactical success has yet to translate into political outcome. Iran’s state hasn’t fractured. Its governing system remains intact, and its networks – military, regional, ideological – continue to function. Even its most sensitive capabilities, including nuclear expertise, remain resilient.
The deeper miscalculation lies in assuming Tehran is playing the same game as Washington. It isn’t. Iran is not trying to defeat the US or Israel outright. It is trying to outlast them, complicate their objectives and raise the cost of progress until it becomes unsustainable.
This logic is visible in how the conflict has unfolded. The battlefield extends beyond direct confrontation into shipping lanes, energy markets and regional alliances. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are not incidental – they are pressure points with global consequences.
Iran’s strategy is not about dominance but entanglement. It doesn’t need battlefield superiority if it can draw its adversaries into a conflict that is too costly to resolve and too complex to conclude.
When wars stall, the instinct is to escalate: more bombing, strikes on energy infrastructure, even, in extremis, “boots on the ground” The assumption is that more force will finally produce a different outcome.
But Iran is not a passive target. It has already shown a willingness to retaliate across the region, including against Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, as well as targets in Jordan and Iraq. Strikes on Iran’s energy systems would not stay contained – they would invite retaliation against these same states, widening the conflict.
There is another constraint: American is estimated to have already used up around 45% to 50% of key missile stockpiles, including roughly 30% of its Tomahawk missile inventory. So the stark reality is that escalation is no longer just about willingness, but capacity – and in any wider war, the question may not be how far the US can go, but how much it has left.
The consequences would also extend beyond the battlefield. Iran’s response would be sustained attacks on neighbouring countries, on their power, fuel, and water systems, rendering parts of the region increasingly unlivable as temperatures soar over summer. Huge numbers of people would be forced to leave, risking another large-scale displacement crisis.
Even then, the core reality remains unchanged. Iran is built for endurance – any ground campaign would likely become prolonged and attritional. More importantly, escalation misses the point – the problem is not a lack of force, but the absence of a political objective that force can realistically achieve.
Compounding the problem is a quieter but equally significant reality; the US and Israel do not appear to be fully aligned in their end goals. Israel’s posture suggests a pursuit of maximal outcomes – deep, possibly irreversible weakening of Iran’s system, if not outright regime collapse. The US, by contrast, appears to oscillate between coercion, containment and negotiation.
These are not just differences in emphasis – they are differences in strategy. Wars fought without a shared definition of victory rarely produce victory at all. What they produce instead is sustained military activity without strategic convergence – constant movement, but little progress toward resolution.
At some point, it becomes necessary to describe things as they are. This is no longer a war moving toward a decisive conclusion. It is a conflict settling into a pattern – strikes followed by pauses, ceasefires that hold just long enough to prevent collapse, and negotiations that advance just enough to avoid failure.
And those ceasefires tell their own story. Their repeated extension reflects not progress, but constraint. Washington, under Donald Trump, has strong incentives to keep talks alive, avoid deeper escalation, and end the war sooner rather than later. The alternatives – regional war or global economic shock – are far harder to manage. That dynamic gives Tehran leverage. It does not need to concede quickly when delay itself strengthens its position.
Time, in this sense, is not neutral. The longer the conflict drags on, the more it intersects with the most sensitive pressure points of the global economy. Energy markets are stressed, with supply routes under strain and reserves tightening. Industries that depend on stable fuel flows – aviation, shipping, manufacturing – are increasingly exposed.
What began as a regional conflict has morphed into systemic risk. Even limited disruption can ripple outward, affecting prices, supply chains and political stability. The longer the stalemate persists, the greater the cumulative strain and the closer it edges toward a broader economic shock.
In purely military terms, the answer is obvious: the US and Israel retain overwhelming superiority. But wars are not decided by capability alone. They are decided by how goals, costs, and time interact.
In that equation, Iran’s position is stronger than it appears. It has set a lower threshold for success, demonstrated a higher tolerance for prolonged pressure, and shown an ability to impose costs beyond the battlefield. Most importantly, it does not need to win. It only needs to prevent its adversaries from achieving their aims. So far, it has done exactly that.
Which brings us back to the original question: can the US and Israel win this war? If winning means forcing Iran into submission or fundamentally reshaping its strategic posture, the answer is increasingly difficult to avoid – they cannot.
What they can do is continue. Manage the conflict, contain its spread and shape its margins. But that is not victory. It is endurance.
The real danger is not defeat, but the persistence of a belief that just a little more pressure, a little more escalation, or a little more time will produce a different result. If that belief is wrong, then this is not a war on the verge of being won. It is a war that cannot be won at all. A forever war.
Bamo Nouri is Honorary Research Fellow, Department of International Politics, City St George's, University of London.
Inderjeet Parmar is Professor in International Politics, City St George's, University of London.
This article was first published on The Conversation.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: Trump demands say on Iran's next supreme leader as Israel-Iran war ripples across West Asia Starving, Trapped In Gaza Tunnels – Hostage’s Words Shake Israel, Hit Bibi Here is why Anthropic claims to keep Claude ad-free forever Forever Indebted Selena's cousin responds to those telling Justin Bieber ‘she’s gone forever' Does Ozempic need to be taken forever once started From friends to forever Some teams haven't won it forever Senior shelter dog finds loving forever home just in time for Thanksgiving IIT Delhi May Have Changed Mosquito Control Forever - Using Laundry Detergent
Pakistani attacks on the east Afghan province of Kunar have killed at least seven people and injured 75, among whom are students and a professor at Kunar University, multiple sources have told the BBC. According to the Taliban government, 30 of the injured are university students
Just now
Apple’s foldable iPhone leak hints at ultra-thin, passport-shaped design, debut likely in SeptemberNew reports suggest Apple’s first foldable iPhone may arrive soon, featuring a thinner design, larger display, and a key role in its next leadership era. Updated on: Apr 27
Just now
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Central Armed Police Forces would remain deployed in West Bengal for at least 60 days after the Assembly elections and told voters not to be concerned about “Didi’s goons”. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is popularly known as “Didi”
Just now
The International Monetary Fund’s April 2026 World Economic Outlook arrives with an unusually candid subtitle – Global Economy in the Shadow of War – in the same month that NATO has locked in its most ambitious military spending target in history
Just now
In Purba Bardhaman, potato farmers face price caps, weak markets and migration woes. As elections near, discontent simmers, but TMC still appears deeply rooted across the region. The rest of the country may be all agog about voting in West Bengal tomorrow
Just now
Bayern Munich must find a way to stop Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He has scored eight goals in the Champions League. His performances have drawn comparisons to football legends. Kvaratskhelia's ability to cut inside and shoot is a key threat
Just now
SSB may increase quota for ex-Agniveers from 10% to 50%, exempt testsThe SSB proposal mirrors similar draft rules prepared by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Published on: Apr 28, 2026 7:35 AM IST By Prawesh Lama, NEW DELHI Share via Copy link The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has proposed
Just now
Priya Banerjee says Bollywood has lost its way, slams its lack of originality: ‘Same rom-coms, ladki ladka bike pe hain’In an interview with Hindustan Times, Priya Banerjee talked about Bollywood's lack of original ideas and revealed she doesn't like watching Hindi films. Apr 28, 2026
Just now
In mid-2025, frustration boiled over for Cedrik Sixtus. Finding his Spotify playlists increasingly sprinkled with tracks he suspected were AI generated, the Leipzig-based software developer built a tool to automatically label and block them from his listening.In mid-2025
Just now
India’s new trade deal with New Zealand may just be bigger than any other free trade agreement, for it signals where New Delhi wants to go next. With $20 billion in investments and duty-free access for all Indian exports from Day 1, the India-NZ FTA opens up meaningful opportunities
Just now
Describing the agreement a “big win,” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it would help expand exports across key sectors. India and New Zealand will sign a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Monday, which was finalised by PM Narendra Modi and New Zealand’s PM
Just now
Anthony Joshua has signed a deal to fight fellow former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, Eddie Hearn has announced. Joshua, who has not fought since he was a passenger in a fatal car crash in December, will first have a comeback fight against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Just now
PM Narendra Modi expresses confidence of BJP forming govt in Bengal, vows to return for oath ceremony, while Mamata Banerjee holds roadshows as high-voltage campaigning ends. Kolkata: In his last campaign rally in the industrial belt of Barrackpore's Jagatdal
Just now
Now, India pushes diesel, LPG blending plansTechnical teams at BIS, India’s standards-setting body, are working through consultations with stakeholders before finalisation Updated on: Apr 28, 2026 7:07 AM IST By Zia Haq, NEW DELHI Share via Copy link The government is taking decisive steps
Just now
Taiwan's defense ministry reported spotting two Chinese warships, a destroyer and a frigate, operating southwest of the Penghu islands. Taiwan's naval and air forces were dispatched to closely monitor the Chinese vessels. This incident occurs amidst China's regular military activities around the
Just now
‘I rejected IIM Bangalore’: Techie shares reason behind ‘controversial’ decisionA video of a techie’s confession on rejecting IIM Bangalore and continuing his job instead has prompted varied reactions. Published on: Apr 28, 2026 6:53 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A digital
Just now
Haryana: Congress boycotts special session, Saini dubs it ‘anti-women’ mindsetThe day-long special session, hurriedly convened a month after the budget session’s conclusion, was triggered by the Union government’s setbacks in the Lower House on April 17
Just now
While Anthropic has continued to warn about the impacts of AI on the job market, the company is itself looking to hire for a new role and is offering $400,000 in salary to find the right candidate. The new role is based out of San Francisco or New York, with a salary range of $320,000 to $400,000
Just now
Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients. Misleading food ads are fuelling a public health crisis in India. Help Scroll expose the systemic failure. Support our investigation.Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients
Just now
Cooper Flagg vs Kon Knueppel stats: How Flagg beat his former Duke teammate for Rookie of the YearCooper Flagg won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, narrowly defeating teammate Kon Knueppel by 26 points. Published on: Apr 28, 2026 7:04 AM IST By Shirin Gupta Share via Copy link Duke freshmen Cooper
Just now
Adani Airport Holdings Limited and MakeMyTrip have launched an online duty-free pre-booking service for international travellers, allowing passengers to browse and reserve products before arriving at the airport. The service enables travellers to pre-book duty-free items across more than 10
Just now
"One more year, one more year Casemiro," bellowed the Stretford End as the Brazilian midfielder made his way down the tunnel to the Manchester United dressing room. The 34-year-old had just completed the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Brentford that highlighted everything that makes him such an
Just now
European flight prices are falling as airlines try to overcome customer "hesitancy" over the economic hit from the US-Israel war with Iran, Wizz Air's chief executive has said. József Váradi said European airlines can make price cuts in the "short term" because they have bought fuel at a price
Just now
A 21-year-old man is going on trial in Austria charged with planning and preparing a terrorist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in August 2024. The Austrian man, named only as Beran A., has been charged with terrorism and other offences and is appearing in court in Wiener Neustadt
Just now
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday quashed the preventive detention of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act, setting aside the order issued by the Doda district administration in September. Malik, who represents the Doda constituency and heads the party’s Jammu and
Just now
Mortars and missiles from Pakistan struck a university and homes in Afghanistan's Kunar Province, killing seven and wounding 85. Pakistan denied targeting the university, calling the accusation a "blatant lie." This incident marks the first major attack since Chinese-mediated peace talks aimed at
Just now
Deepika Padukone makes first appearance after announcing second pregnancy; Ranveer Singh seen in protective modeDeepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh kept the airport outing lowkey and didn’t pose for the photographers stationed outside the airport in Mumbai. Apr 28, 2026
Just now
