Today in Focus Could Trump really end the war in Iran ‘very soon’? – The Latest
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Mar 10, 2026 
Nesrine Malik, columnist and commentator on Middle East politics, offers sharp analysis of US–Iran tensions. She discusses mixed White House messaging and why the US faces a strategic quagmire. She explores Iran’s resilience, its pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, and regional instability beyond Washington and Tehran.
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US Strategy Misread Iranian Resilience
- The US is stuck in a quagmire because decapitating Iran's leadership didn't produce regime collapse.
- Nesrine Malik says US planners misread Iranian resilience and expected the IRGC to lay down arms after the Ayatollah's death.
Divergent Appetites For Conflict
- Trump seeks quick, diversionary adventures to distract domestic problems while Iran views the conflict as existential.
- Malik contrasts American appetite for short excursions with Iran fighting for its ideological survival, increasing Iranian endurance.
Netanyahu's Interest In A Lingering War
- Benjamin Netanyahu benefits from a prolonged conflict because it legitimizes ongoing threats and regional campaigns.
- Malik argues Netanyahu uses a sustained Iran threat as propaganda to justify extended military actions and regional dominance.