The U.S.-Israel War Against Iran Is Not Slowing Down Anytime Soon
Foreign Policy
by Alexandra SharpMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S., Israel, and Iran are escalating a conflict that shows no signs of slowing down, with both sides preparing for prolonged hostilities. President Donald Trump has vowed to continue Washington’s campaign against Iran indefinitely, despite initial projections of a four-to-five-week operation. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans for additional troops in the Middle East and emphasized that Operation Epic Fury, while not endless, could extend further than expected. Iran, meanwhile, has demonstrated its readiness for a long war, with its security chief Ali Larijani stating that Tehran is prepared to fight as long as necessary.
The conflict has intensified since U.S. and Israeli airstrikes began on Saturday, targeting over 2,000 locations in Iran. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes on Israel and eight other countries in the region, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These attacks have resulted in significant casualties, including senior Iranian leaders like Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and six U.S. service members. Additionally, a missile strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran killed at least 165 individuals.
The war has also sparked concerns about regional stability and its potential to escalate into a broader conflict. The White House has cited Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and support for terrorist proxy groups as key reasons for the intervention. However, U.S. intelligence estimates suggest that Tehran would need at least a decade to develop missiles capable of reaching the U.S. homeland. Despite this, Trump has repeatedly stated that the U.S. is
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 3/2/2026