Trump's Iran War Backfires, Empowering Hard-Liners and Boosting Russia

The conflict has blocked a key shipping lane and failed to achieve the desired regime change in Iran.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting in shades of blue, red, and gold depicting a shattered globe or world map, conveying the destabilizing global impact of the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.The U.S.-Israel war with Iran has had far-reaching global consequences, disrupting energy markets and empowering hardliners while failing to achieve regime change.Today in Miami

Two months into the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, the conflict has empowered hard-liners in Iran, blocked the Strait of Hormuz, and boosted Russia's economic and geopolitical position, while failing to achieve the goal of regime change in Iran. The war has also destabilized the region and hurt America's Gulf allies, who now face a more tense environment.

Why it matters

This war was initiated by President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who believed Iran's military weakness provided an opportunity to strike and effect regime change. However, the conflict has backfired, strengthening Iran's hardliners, disrupting global energy markets, and benefiting America's rivals like Russia, while failing to topple the Iranian regime.

The details

Before the war began in late February, Iran's nuclear and military capabilities had been substantially weakened by previous Israeli air campaigns. However, the current conflict has not led to the desired regime change. Instead, the 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed and replaced by a more hard-line son. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the most militant faction, also appears to be ascendant. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz, which was previously free and open, is now blocked by the new Iranian leadership, allowing Tehran to charge fees for tanker passage and boost its oil revenue.

  • In June 2025, Iran's nuclear facilities were 'completely and totally obliterated' by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
  • In 2024, separate Israeli air campaigns killed key IRGC leaders, destroyed air defenses, and struck ballistic missile facilities.
  • In late February 2026, the current U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began.

The players

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who initiated the war with Iran, believing it would lead to regime change.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The former Israeli prime minister who reportedly sold Trump on the idea of the war, seeing Iran's weakness as an opportunity to strike.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The 86-year-old Supreme Leader of Iran who was killed during the conflict and replaced by his more hard-line son.

Mohammed bin Salman

The Saudi crown prince who had mended ties with Iran in 2023 to pursue his modernization program, but now faces a more unstable and tense environment.

Vladimir Putin

The Russian president who is benefiting economically from the war, as oil prices rise and U.S. sanctions on Russia are waived.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have set Iran's nuclear project back by years, and the same goes for its missile program.”

— Head of Israel's Defense Forces

“The achievement can continue indefinitely as long as Iran does not get access to nuclear materials - and that access is actively being denied.”

— Israel Atomic Energy Commission

“We don't have to be there ... But we're there to help our allies.”

— Donald Trump, U.S. President

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This war has empowered Iran's hardliners, disrupted global energy markets, and benefited America's rivals like Russia, while failing to achieve the goal of regime change in Iran. It highlights the unpredictable and often counterproductive nature of military interventions, even when a country appears militarily weak.