The US is stuck in an open-ended fight with Iran that serves Israel's interests, not America's — bad news for anyone hoping for a quick exit.

• Iran no longer wants the war to end, betting that dragging it out will wear America down.
• The US cannot leave because Israel will not allow it, turning a short campaign into an endless one.
• While America is tied up, Israel keeps pounding Gaza, the West Bank, and villages in southern Lebanon.
• Iran had no ability to strike the US directly, so there is nothing for America to win here.
• Defenders of the war keep pointing back to the 1980s instead of explaining what the US gains now.

Outlook: Expect the conflict to grind on with no exit plan, and more US exposure to attacks and casualties.