A leading war historian warns that reckless leadership in the US, Russia, and Iran has pushed the world dangerously close to a wider war, with no easy way out.

• Putin's invasion of Ukraine and Trump's strike on Iran are both described as unforced, badly planned wars that backfired on the countries that started them.
• The Iran war has hurt the US economy and badly damaged America's alliances, while pushing Iran and others toward wanting nuclear weapons rather than away from them.
• European and allied countries are pulling away from the US and building their own military and economic systems instead of relying on Washington, which weakens US influence long-term.
• Russia is seen as unable to back down from Ukraine, meaning the war is likely to keep grinding on with no real peace deal in sight.
• Upcoming US midterm elections are flagged as a key moment where voters could change course, though control of Congress may not lead to major policy change given deep political gridlock.

Outlook: Expect continued war fatigue and economic strain in the US and Europe, with no quick resolution in Ukraine or Iran, and rising risk of a larger conflict if leaders keep refusing to back down.