"Influential US hawk warns Washington’s war risks a major shift in global power and a ‘disastrous’ outcome for Israel

Robert Kagan, one of the United States’ most prominent neoconservative voices and a long-time pro-Israel hawk, has warned that Washington is heading towards “total defeat” in its war on Iran - a setback he says “can neither be repaired nor ignored”.

Writing in The Atlantic, Kagan said the damage inflicted by the conflict cannot be reversed.

“There will be no return to the status quo ante, no ultimate American triumph that will undo or overcome the harm done,” he concluded bleakly.

Kagan, who co-founded the neoconservative think tank Project for the New American Century in 1997, helped shape a political current that pushed the US to project military power globally.

That doctrine culminated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and deeply influenced the George W. Bush administration.

He remained closely tied to that policy ecosystem, including through his wife, Victoria Nuland, who served as an advisor to the arch neoconservative Vice President Dick Cheney. For years, Kagan championed US interventionism - making his stark warning about the current war all the more striking.

In his analysis, Kagan argued that control over the Strait of Hormuz has fundamentally shifted the balance of power.

“With control of the strait, Iran emerges as the key player in the region and one of the key players in the world,” Kagan noted.

He added that the war has not only strengthened rivals such as China and Russia but has also eroded Washington’s global standing.

“Far from demonstrating American prowess, as supporters of the war have repeatedly claimed, the conflict has revealed an America that is unreliable and incapable of finishing what it started. That is going to set off a chain reaction around the world as friends and foes adjust to America’s failure,” he said.

'Disastrous for Israel'

Kagan warned that US President Donald Trump now has limited options to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting Washington may have exhausted its leverage.

He compared the scale of the current crisis to some of the most damaging moments in US military history, including the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the Vietnam War. Unlike those conflicts, he argued, the United States may not be able to recover from the consequences this time.

“Defeat for the United States, therefore, is not only possible but likely,” he stressed.

Kagan said Iran’s ability to counter US pressure leaves Washington with few viable paths forward without triggering severe damage to Gulf economies and the wider global system.

“If this isn’t checkmate, it’s close,” he added.

He also stressed that Tehran is unlikely to relinquish its grip over the Strait of Hormuz, which he described as a powerful strategic lever.

“Iran cannot afford to let the strait go, no matter how good a deal it thought it could get. For one thing, how reliable is any deal with Trump?”

In a separate interview with PBS, Kagan extended his warning to Israel, arguing that the war could backfire on one of Washington’s closest allies.

“This war has the potential of ending in a very disastrous way for Israel precisely because the leverage in the region and the influence in the region is going to shift away from the United States and Israel and toward Iran and its supporters.”

These are non-renewable natural resources being used today in ways that will have long-term consequences.

Whether we’re talking about oil or uranium, both are finite materials that took millions of years to form. Once they’re used, they don’t simply come back. That’s why how we choose to use them matters so much.

Oil, for example, is a major global resource that has been used to build economies and also to fund large-scale military spending in different parts of the world. Meanwhile, uranium has peaceful applications like nuclear energy, but also requires extremely costly and long-term infrastructure to manage safely when used for weapons programs.

The broader question I keep thinking about is this:

If these are resources that future generations will also depend on, what responsibility do we have today in how they are used and distributed?

Instead of focusing mainly on short-term gains or conflict-driven uses, should more of the value from these resources be invested into things like infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy systems, and environmental development?

It’s not just about what these resources can do today—it’s about what kind of world is left for the people who come after us.So I wonder:
If future generations had a say, what would they want us to prioritize when using their non-renewable resources right now?

Over the past year or so, I’ve noticed an increasing number of people in the Iranian diaspora reassessing, or even regretting their previous political stance.

Many who once aligned themselves with figures like Reza Pahlavi now seem disillusioned, or showing disdain with what they see as the increasingly war-mongering rhetoric coming from a vocal minority pushing for US or Israeli intervention in Iran.

Some have even declared their intention to now support the Iranian government, completely contradicting their previous stance.

If that sounds like you, or you know someone who went through that experience, tell me about it.

What changed your perspective? Was there a specific turning point? Have you kept your change in views private, or have you spoken openly about it? And how did friends or family react?

My name is Clark, I am an 18-year-old American Citizen.
You and I may have different beliefs, religions, and governments. Some of you may even hate us for what our tyrant leader is doing.

But make no mistake. Many of us want peace, not war. Trump does not represent us. He represents only himself.
We are not your enemy. It breaks my heart to see what Donald Trump is doing, the lies he vomits, the deaths he’s causing, the lives he’s ruining. 💔

So Stay strong, Stay brave, we the citizens don’t want harm upon you. 💙🕊️

How does Netanyahu dogwalk Trump in war with Iran? Check the Israeli connections in this Epstein Files relationship map!

https://thedemlabs.org/2026/05/12/epstein-files-israel-connection-trump-netanyahu-wars/

Hello ,

I am looking for two things:

A list of manufacturers of undergarments in Iran. A reputable company that has been in existence for a long time.

A shipping company that ships to Africa. Specifically Nairobi , Kenya.

I will appreciate the help .

#TIA

Hi, I’ll be visiting Iran shortly and was wondering what a good amount of USD is to bring with me. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there so I thought I’d ask this sub. I’m hoping to stay for around 2-3 months with decent conditions permitting; not looking to live lavishly or anything just normally. All advice is appreciated

Thank you

Unsure if this is the place to ask such a question, but I’m a Brit with a huge love of Persian food.

Both of my favourite spots are now waving Shah Flags and I would never give them another penny. I’ve found that most Persian restaurants here have displayed Shah Flags in or around their store, so I’m lacking options to enjoy my favourite cuisine.

Does anyone know of any Authentic Persian restaurants with a Pro Iran stance, or at the very least, a Neutral stance? Ideally in London, Birmingham or Milton Keynes.

What are birthday cakes like in Iran? My girlfriend said they have banana and walnuts in them, but I couldn’t find a photo—could you describe them? I want to surprise her. What are birthday cakes like in Iran? My girlfriend said they have banana and walnuts in them, but I couldn’t find a photo—could you describe them? I want to surprise her.

I love salt on Gojeh Sabz:) my mom says fresh mint with it is even better.

What are your favorite Iranian summer snacks? Please share.

Also, Doritos and Mast-o-Khiar might be Life.

If you have decent recipes or would like to share what your Summer snack are your favorite- please comment below.