Can the US and Israel sustain a war of attrition with Iran?

The US and Israel appear to be engaged in a war of attrition against Iran, marked by multiple rounds of fighting since June 2025. This situation raises the question of whether they can sustain such a prolonged conflict, given the Middle East's history of lengthy and indecisive wars. Examples include the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War, the post-1967 War of Attrition between Israel and Egypt, and the insurgency following the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. Israel has also experienced numerous protracted conflicts, such as those in Gaza and Lebanon. The article emphasizes that rapid military victories in the region often do not lead to lasting political outcomes, making the ability to endure repeated rounds of conflict and translate military pressure into a strategic resolution crucial for the US and Israel.