The Iran War Successes They Don’t Want You to Hear About

If you’re following the coverage of the U.S.-Israeli war against the Islamic Republic of Iran, you’re liable to be disappointed by what you’re seeing.

America is “hapless,” battered, and bruised. Iran may not be “winning,” but it’s certainly not losing. And not losing is all that the regime must do to claim victory. The architects of this war, like Secretary Marco Rubio, should be hanging their heads in shame. “So why is his political star on the rise?” Politico columnist Nahal Toosi asked. After all, everyone with half a brain knows this war is a disaster for the United States.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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If you’re following the coverage of the U.S.-Israeli war against the Islamic Republic of Iran, you’re liable to be disappointed by what you’re seeing.

America is “hapless,” battered, and bruised. Iran may not be “winning,” but it’s certainly not losing. And not losing is all that the regime must do to claim victory. The architects of this war, like Secretary Marco Rubio, should be hanging their heads in shame. “So why is his political star on the rise?” Politico columnist Nahal Toosi asked. After all, everyone with half a brain knows this war is a disaster for the United States.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.