Stephen Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations asserts that Iran will demand a role in any future regional plans and will not relinquish its current leverage.

Stephen Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations believes China stands to benefit geopolitically from the current situation in the Middle East at the expense of the United States.

Stephen Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations assesses that Iran's economy is on the verge of collapse.

Stephen Cook predicts the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed for at least the next few months.

Russia is providing targeting assistance to Iran for its military operations.

The prospect of diplomatic normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is now less certain and more difficult to achieve due to the Gaza conflict and Israel's perceived role as an "agent of chaos."

The economic development model of the Gulf states, which relies on attracting foreign investment and tourism, has been significantly damaged by the conflict with Iran.

The primary goal of the current Iranian regime is its own survival.

The Abraham Accords have proven durable, surviving two years of intense conflict in the Gaza Strip without the core signatory countries breaking diplomatic relations with Israel.

Gulf state leaders, despite initially opposing the conflict, are now urging the U.S. President not to end the war with Iran prematurely.

International demands consistently require Iran to abandon its missile program.

International demands consistently require Iran to abandon its nuclear program.

International demands consistently require Iran to cease arming and supporting its proxy forces.