Trump promised regime change but Iran's confidence has been boostedpublished at 14:00 BST
Jeremy Bowen
International Editor
It is worth remembering how this conflict was viewed when it began on 28 February. Both Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu framed the military action in historic terms.
Netanyahu said he had been waiting his entire political life for the opportunity to confront what he sees as Israel's greatest enemy, and finally had a US president willing to support him.
Trump appeared to believe a swift victory was possible, telling Iranians that the moment was approaching when they could reclaim their country.
But none of that has happened. Instead, Iran has emerged with a new leadership. This is not the regime change Trump has claimed.
However, with many senior figures killed, a new generation has taken their place. They remain deeply ideological but appear less cautious than the old guard.
Their confidence has been boosted by developments during the conflict, not least the impact of disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
That shift is helping reshape the region. The trajectory now looks difficult, perhaps impossible, to reverse.
The consequences extend far beyond Iran and Israel, affecting countries across the Gulf. States such as the UAE, whose economies depend on stability, have already seen significant damage from the disruption caused by the conflict.














