After one month of confrontation, the United States has once again suffered defeat in its war against the Islamic Republic, with the scale of this setback manifesting in three painful dimensions for the axis of aggression. First are the material and human losses incurred during the conflict. Second are the economic and political repercussions triggered by reckless undertaking, affecting both the United States and the global economy. Third are the emerging realities that preceded and accompanied the military operations, that are shaping the future of the region and redefining the position of America within the global order.

The commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Esmail Qaani, has affirmed that the region now stands on the threshold of a new system and has entered a phase of transformation in strategic balances. Indicators of these developments appeared early in the terrorist operation. Since then, confusion has dominated American calculations, as it witnessed the destruction of large portions of its military bases—facilities that had cost billions of dollars—along with the burning of several aircraft, including aerial refueling planes. This triggered significant anger in Washington, reaching the point of public criticism of media outlets for reporting on these losses.

Among the most significant blows was the destruction of an AWACS aircraft, costing approximately half a billion dollars, along with a Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft and 12 radar systems deployed across the region. The list of losses extends further across military bases that America had spent decades developing to support missions centered on protecting the Israeli entity’s dominance in the region and maintaining its strategic geographical ambitions tied to the concept of a “Greater Israel.”

Global Rejection of a War that Doesn't Concern Them

These developments contributed to a broader international position rejecting involvement in a war serving only Israeli interests. The conflict has impacted the global economy, with immediate repercussions felt across major industrial societies. Increasing uncertainty has clouded economic outlooks, leaving governments unable to predict near-term developments amid fears of further crises stemming from the latest American military venture.

In America, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warned that inflation could rise to 4.2% due to energy shocks linked to the war on Iran, according to the Financial Times. Gasoline prices have surged by more than 30%, while the American stock market has lost over $820 billion in value. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency market has declined by approximately $120 billion.

As losses continue with no clear strategy for ending the conflict, and with Trump persisting alongside  Netanyahu in pursuing a dark and uncertain path, domestic opposition has intensified. Millions of Americans have taken to the streets in Washington, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, protesting the suicidal policies driven by endless wars, most recently the ongoing conflict with Iran, which experts warn could lead to broader economic collapse globally, with America at the forefront of those risks.

Billions Lost in Just 96 Hours

The military campaign has evolved into a costly war of attrition and a strategic quagmire, further eroding American deterrence credibility. A report by the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia detailed the scale of the depletion, revealing that within the first 96 hours alone, America expended massive quantities of advanced weaponry.

These included 5,197 projectiles of 35 different types, 943 Patriot missiles (at $4 million each), effectively consuming 18 months’ worth of stock in just four days, and 145 THAAD missiles (costing $12 million each), representing more than one-third of total reserves. Israeli Arrow missile stocks dropped by over 50%, with replenishment expected to take up to 32 months. Additionally, one-third of ATACMS missile reserves were used, along with 375 Tomahawk cruise missiles and high-cost bombs requiring over four years to replace. Eight bunker-buster GBU-57 bombs—one quarter of the American inventory—were lost, alongside 11 MQ-9 Reaper drones valued at $30 million each.

Further losses included advanced radar systems at American bases in the region, with replacement costs estimated between $10 billion and $16 billion. The total estimated cost, including lost aircraft, has reached $20 billion—excluding damage to infrastructure and advanced air defense systems.

Within days, the administration began planning to deploy additional forces, mobilize a second aircraft carrier, and rely on allied bases abroad. However, opposition within American political circles intensified, with criticism focusing on unilateral decision-making and the risks of escalation. As the effects of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz began to emerge, the American government resorted to releasing strategic petroleum reserves in an attempt to stabilize rising fuel prices.

Miscalculations and Escalating Surprises

One of the primary shocks for America was the failure of its initial assumption that a rapid, surprise attack would quickly topple the Iranian system. Instead, Iran absorbed the initial strikes and responded immediately in a manner that exceeded expectations. While Washington and Tel Aviv anticipated a delayed reaction, Tehran moved swiftly, having recognized the repeated deception of the inept Trump, who launched his second aggression while simultaneously leaking news of progress in negotiations, just as he had done in the previous 12-day war. At this point, the Islamic Republic, with its Revolutionary Guard and its disgruntled population, had no option but to act swiftly to implement its plan, which had been prepared for such an anticipated event.

The rapid Iranian response marked a turning point, followed by a series of operations that revealed previously uncalculated developments, which quickly became undeniable realities on the ground.

American military expert Daniel Davis acknowledged that the widely promoted narrative of American and Israeli defensive superiority does not accurately reflect reality. He urged policymakers in Washington to reassess their approach, warning against overly optimistic claims of imminent victory. Davis emphasized the need for a realistic appraisal of battlefield developments and a serious diplomatic path, cautioning that further escalation—including the deployment of ground forces—could deepen failures rather than resolve them.

Inside the Zionist occuaption, the Zionist writer Ami Dror criticized the arrogance and overconfidence in political and media discourse regarding the conflict with Iran, stressing that the prevailing belief that Tehran is “defeated” does not align with reality.

The Upper Hand of the Revolutionary Guard

As the first weeks of confrontation passed, it became increasingly evident that the Islamic Republic maintained superiority in operational performance, demonstrating strategic intelligence in managing its capabilities while continuing to deliver painful strikes against American military presence and Israeli targets.

This included the withdrawal of two aircraft carriers and sustained attacks on American infrastructure. Across Israeli-occupied territories, strikes extended to military bases, strategic facilities, and vital installations, forcing both civilians and leadership underground. These attacks gradually weakened defensive capacities and reduced the effectiveness of early warning systems and precautionary measures.

While Trump relied heavily on threats and rhetoric, Iran responded in the same manner, often prompting Trump to revise its statements in an attempt to preserve its position.

With each wave of Iranian offensives, the perceived dominance of both America and the Israeli entity continued to erode, increasing pressure on the American administration. Eventually, Washington turned to mediators in pursuit of ceasefire negotiations.

After the completion of the first month, Iranian forces continue their operations at the same intensity, with expanding strategic objectives. A American intelligence assessment has confirmed that there are no indications of system collapse in Iran, and that Washington is now confronting a cohesive and resilient axis.