War is never truly a victory for anyone. No matter who claims to be victorious, it always leaves behind pain, destruction, and broken lives. In the recent standoff, both Iran and Israel were heavily involved, with the US standing firmly behind Israel. All sides have stepped forward, claiming they won, citing their strength or survival as proof. But the real question is: who actually had the upper hand? Was it the side bolstered by overwhelming firepower and strong US support, or the one that, despite facing sanctions, isolation, and limited resources, still managed to resist and stay in the war?
First, let’s consider Israel—what did it actually gain from this war? Despite its loud claims of victory, the reality tells a different story. Israel went into the conflict under the illusion that it would finally dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, but that mission failed. It also sought regime change in Tehran, which turned out to be another complete failure. Perhaps most damaging was the shattering of the long-held myth that Israel is untouchable.
For the first time, hundreds of Tehran’s missiles penetrated deep into Tel Aviv, causing hundreds of Israelis to lose their lives, leaving both physical and psychological scars. Israel’s advanced defenses – Iron Dome, Arrow 3, and David’s Sling – were overwhelmed. The fear, panic, and destruction inside Israel were unmatched, shaking the nation to its core. And the most humiliating blow was when Israel, feeling scared and helpless, rushed to Trump for help, like a kid calling out to an older brother after losing control. It wasn’t a display of alliance and confidence; it was a clear sign that Israel couldn’t handle the situation alone. That moment showed weakness and prompted Israel to try to drag the US into a war just to save itself.
Now let’s turn to the US – what did it really gain by backing this conflict? The truth is, it gained nothing except a damaged reputation and a deep sense of betrayal among its own people. When Trump ran for office, he promised something powerful: “I’m not going to start wars, I’m going to stop wars”. Those words gave hope to millions of Americans who were tired of their country being involved in endless battles.
After experiencing the pain of Hiroshima, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, people were exhausted. They didn’t want more wars; they wanted peace, stability, and a better image for their country in the world. That’s why so many believed Trump and voted for him. They thought maybe, just maybe, he would finally break the cycle.
But when this war began, everything changed. Trump didn’t stand by his promise – instead, he jumped in. He didn’t act to protect peace or people; he acted to protect his own power. In doing so, he threw dust in the eyes of those who believed in him. And now the same people who once saw him as a hope for peace see him as a hypocrite, as his speeches were nothing but empty talk, carefully crafted to win votes. American people feel lied to, used, and humiliated, and that anger won’t fade easily. And with that, he didn’t just ruin his image, he broke the bond with the people who once believed he was different.
In the case of Iran, it’s fair to say: yes, Iran came out on top. It stood tall against two major powers, held its ground, and didn’t give in. While its enemies entered the war hoping to crush Iran’s nuclear program and topple its leadership, they walked away without success. Both sides had to settle for a ceasefire, not because they wanted peace, but because they were forced to retreat. The dream of regime change didn’t just fail; it became even more out of reach. Instead of weakening Iran internally, this war had the opposite effect: it united the people. Even those who doubted the government supported it, standing shoulder to shoulder against foreign pressure. Iran didn’t just survive – it grew stronger, more resilient, and more defiant. The truth is, Iran forced its enemies to taste defeat with every bite. The mission to “wipe out” its nuclear ambitions ended in embarrassment. Iran preserved its dignity, shook the confidence of its enemies, and exposed their limits. It didn’t collapse under pressure; it made the pressure collapse on them.
In conclusion, this war was not just about weapons – it’s about endurance, willpower, and the ability to fight back when the world expects you to collapse. The country faced two powerful enemies, but did not give up. There was no regime change, no nuclear collapse, and no surrender. What was meant to bring Iran down only revealed its strength. Now, the world has seen that true strength is not always in loud threats or large armies, but in the courage to stand firm and not fall.
