Six months into war, Iran's leadership consolidates around hardline core

Half a year after the outbreak of war, power within Iran has increasingly concentrated in the hands of military generals and clerics who have long held entrenched positions within the country's theocratic system. This hardline core appears ready for a potentially prolonged standoff with the United States and remains determined to suppress any domestic unrest.

A different outcome than expected

The current situation stands in sharp contrast to the early expectations of US President Donald Trump, who had hoped the conflict might lead to the toppling of Iran's Islamic Republic. Trump later suggested that so-called "regime change" had elevated more compromise-minded officials within Iran. However, developments over the past six months suggest the opposite trend, with hardliners appearing to strengthen their grip on power.

The financial toll on US taxpayers

In an analysis for FRANCE 24, journalist Philip Turle calculated that the war has so far cost approximately $1,100 for every individual US taxpayer. The figure illustrates the mounting financial burden the conflict has placed on the United States over its first six months.

Overall, despite initial hopes for a swift and decisive resolution, the confrontation between the US and Iran has evolved into a protracted standoff, with both sides appearing prepared to sustain the conflict going forward.