IPS Strategic Insights | April, 2026
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The Campaign Against Iran and Hizballah - Where Are We Headed?
10 Key Insights
As the deadline for his ultimatum draws near, President Trump must make a weighty decision whether or not to significantly escalate the military campaign, and target strategic national infrastructure in Iran to defeat it, thereby ending the conflict relatively quickly.
The Iranian regime, despite the grievous blows it has sustained, is exhibiting growing confidence to keep going. It seems to believe it has powerful playing chips at its disposal, namely impacting the global energy market and Gulf States, that will help it stand firm, and force the United States into a convenient war-ending agreement.
Israel’s military accomplishments are remarkable and, in collaboration with the United States, could considerably reduce the magnitude of the threat posed by Iran. Yet Israel must also prepare for the possibility of a U.S-Iran deal or President Trump’s announcement of a unilateral ceasefire, either of which would leave the Iranian regime weakened but intact, driving Tehran’s presumable desire to rebuild its capabilities, and vigorously pursue a nuclear weapon. All the while, Hizballah is firing relentlessly on thenorthern border, forcing Israel to continue attacking it to deflate its capabilities, as it realizes that ridding Lebanon of this terror organization is a long-term goal requiring a comprehensive combined military and diplomatic plan.
We seek to point to 10 key insights that could affect war-ending outlines
