The U.S. insists the Iran conflict won't be a 'forever war.' Experts beg to differ

Core Viewpoint - The military operation initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran is expected to be short-lived, but experts warn that it could become prolonged if the Iranian regime demonstrates unexpected resilience [1][5][14]. Group 1: Military Operations and Objectives - The initial military strikes resulted in significant damage to Iran's military capabilities, including the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the aftermath is anticipated to be complex [3][5]. - The U.S. and Israel's objectives have evolved from solely targeting Iran's nuclear program to also addressing its ballistic missile capabilities and perceived threats to American public safety [9][10]. - Analysts suggest that a short and targeted military operation is feasible, but the duration will depend on the resilience of Iran's leadership and the U.S. administration's goals [17][19]. Group 2: Public Opinion and Political Implications - Public support for the military action is low, with only 25% of Americans in favor, leading to protests against the strikes [6][7][8]. - The U.S. administration is cautious about public sentiment, as prolonged military engagement could disrupt the economy and impact energy and stock markets [10][12]. - There is uncertainty regarding whether the U.S. aims for regime change in Iran, which could complicate the military strategy and public perception [13][16]. Group 3: Expert Opinions and Predictions - Experts express skepticism about a quick resolution, noting that Iran's extensive security apparatus makes a swift military victory challenging [14][19]. - Some analysts predict that the kinetic phase of the conflict could conclude within a few days, leading to discussions about potential settlements or agreements [19][21]. - The consensus among analysts is that Iran is likely to lose the conflict, but the timeline and nature of that loss remain uncertain [18][19].