The war between the United States, Israel and Iran is now into its second month. Despite spectacular early successes, the resilience of Iran's government and military has meant the US and Israel have lost the strategic initiative.

This means they are being more reactive than proactive in determining the outcome of the war. One of the main reasons for this: the contradictory strategic objectives of the US and Israel. Since the war began, the Trump administration has struggled to justify its attack on Iran.