The Iran war is affecting the whole Middle East. An expert on the region looks at four key issues that shed light on the war’s likely end and political consequences.

The war that began Feb. 28 hews to a familiar, dangerous pattern, writes an Iran expert, from deep, historical mistrust and incompatible strategic interests to miscommunication and misperception.

More than 20 years after the US military success in Iraq, the outcome of the US effort at regime change wasn’t as expected, and authoritarians with close ties to Iran now rule the country.

A covert US campaign in the mid-20th century helped steer Iran toward the intense anti-American sentiment that has distinguished its government policy for decades.

Silence from the US side after a third round of indirect talks and frustration expressed by President Donald Trump set the stage for military strikes.

President Trump has appealed to Iranians to topple their government, but a popular uprising is unlikely to defeat current leadership or the Revolutionary Guards, a former US diplomat says.