The Middle East war has killed over 2,000 people and displaced millions in just three weeks, according to officials in Iran and Lebanon. U.S. strikes have devastated Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, though Israel pushes for a longer campaign to topple Tehran's theocracy. The conflict has already cost more than $11.3 billion in the first six days, with expenses expected to rise significantly.

U.S. intelligence tracked Iranian leaders using billions of sensors monitoring digital activity, while a tragic bombing of an Iranian elementary school killed about 175 people due to outdated targeting data. American bases across the Middle East have sustained damage, with communications infrastructure hit at Al Udeid in Qatar and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Six service members died when Shuaiba Port in Kuwait was struck.

Iranian public sentiment remains divided, with roughly 20 percent forming a loyal base supporting the Islamic republic while many others demand change. The opposition is bitterly divided, making it unclear what political forces could emerge if the current system collapses. Historical regime change efforts in countries like Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan highlight the enormous risks of such interventions.