On March 18, 2026, Tehran saw a large turnout for the joint funeral of Ali Larijani, Rear Admiral Gholam Soleimani, and 84 sailors from the frigate Iris Dena. The article explores the concept of “victory” in war, likening it to pro wrestling where outcomes can be clear or contentious. While some wars have clear winners and losers (like the world wars), many do not, as seen in conflicts like Vietnam, the Iran-Iraq War, and the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
For Israel, victory is defined as the U.S. dismantling Iranian military assets, with minimal casualties. Iran’s victory hinges on the survival of the Islamic Republic, as maintaining control would fulfill its primary objective. The U.S.’s criteria for victory are less clear; it could range from reducing Iran’s missile stockpile to stabilizing oil prices.
The article contemplates a scenario where both the U.S. and Iran could claim victory—a “dirty finish.” In this case, Iran could assert its resilience against U.S. and Israeli forces, achieving strategic goals like maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. claims success through military actions. However, global observers would see through these claims, complicating the narrative of victory for both sides.
Source link
