The US-led West has consistently connived to meet the insatiable demands of Israel’s abiding insecurities. Today, all of Israel’s deemed, potential, and/or imminent threats stand neutralised. Iran, the designated enemy, is isolated yet defiant and unbending against a massive onslaught by the US-Israel Combine. In retaliation, Iran has attacked Israel and all US bases in the Gulf Arab states. It has targeted the oil and gas installations on the Arabian Peninsula, some oil tankers, and literally blocked the Hormuz Straits. Predictably, the global prices of oil and gas have shot through the stratosphere.

The current US-Israeli combined assault on Iran could be seen as Phase Two of its earlier attack in June 2025. However, it lacks clarity on a well-defined end state. What will constitute victory for the US-Israel Combine? How do they intend to bring this war to a favourable, desirable, and timely closure? It appears indeterminate. The US-Israel Combine could have five strategic objectives. One, force the total capitulation of Iran and establish Israel’s unchallenged hegemony in the region. Two, wipe out the remnants of Iran’s nuclear programme, if any. Three, completely destroy Iran’s ballistic missile programme, thus defanging it by denying it the capacity to build nuclear warheads and their delivery systems and mechanisms. It includes the destruction of the Iranian Navy too. Four, create the strategic environment for a regime change in Iran by assassinating the top political and military leadership. Instigate the........

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