The Iran War at Six Months: A Region-and Its Relationship With the U.S.-Transformed
Six months into the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, experts analyze the strategic failures of the war and the ongoing instability in the region. The analysis suggests that U.S. economic pressure has failed to force regime collapse and has instead incentivized Iran to further its nuclear ambitions.
Why it matters
This conflict represents a major geopolitical shift in the Middle East with long-term implications for global energy security and nuclear non-proliferation.
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel attacked Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and targeting the country’s nuclear and military infrastructure. A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire and June memorandum of understanding halted large-scale fighting, but both sides have since traded strikes over alleged violations. Six months on, CFR experts weigh in on what the war means for the United States and the region, and what to look for moving forward.
Steven A. Cook is Eni Enrico Mattei senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at CFR. He is an expert on Arab and Turkish politics as well as U.S.-Middle East policy.
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