Nadim Koteich is a Shiite Lebanese political commentator, television host, and writer known for his outspoken criticism of Hezbollah and Iran’s influence in Lebanon. He has hosted several popular political talk shows in the Arab world.
Here is an interesting assessment of the war, one NEWSRAEL does not agree with 100%, but important to hear, which he posted on his X account:
The Iran-Israel war of June 2025 lasted just 12 days—but its shockwaves will ripple for decades. Israel’s overwhelming show of force and Iran’s painful setback mark the start of a new chapter in the Middle East. Here’s a breakdown of what just changed.
ISRAEL’S LETHAL PRECISION: Operation Rising Lion was ruthless and calculated. Iran’s most sensitive assets—and many of its top minds—were taken out. Then came the U.S. B-2s, striking Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Tehran’s nuclear program wasn’t just delayed—it was gutted.
IRAN’S BRUISED RESILIENCE: Iran took a beating—no doubt. Senior commanders gone, air defenses shredded, missile platforms destroyed. But it still fired back. Tel Aviv and Haifa took hits. The message? Iran may be bleeding, but it’s not broken—at least not yet.
AMERICA’S MIDNIGHT HAMMER: Trump’s gamble—sending B-2 bombers halfway across the planet—was bold and brutal. The strikes worked. Iran’s nuclear hopes lie in rubble. But the political blowback at home was real. Even Trump’s base flinched. The ceasefire gave him an off-ramp, just in time.
A FRAGILE PAUSE: The 12-hour ceasefire, brokered under intense pressure, held—but just barely. Both sides were exhausted. Still, Tehran’s vow to rebuild and Israel’s hints at a “long campaign” make one thing clear: this isn’t peace, it’s just a break.
STRATEGIC FALLOUT: Israel landed a heavy punch—but Iran kept its core knowledge. Meanwhile, Iran exposed holes in Israel’s air defense. No one walked away with a clean win, but Israel’s tech, planning, and alliances gave it a clear upper hand.
SHOCKWAVES BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD: Iran’s sway over the Strait of Hormuz evaporated. Closing it now would hurt China more than the U.S. Oil prices dropped after the U.S. strikes. Gulf states quietly helped keep Iran afloat. Russia and China kept their distance. The regional chessboard just flipped.
THE AXIS IMPLODES: Iran’s “Axis of Resistance”—its regional proxy network—was shredded. The octopus lost its tentacles, and the head got scorched. Now, Tehran faces a defining moment. Khamenei can adapt—or risk seeing the entire system unravel.
THE BIG PICTURE: Israel showed what unmatched dominance looks like. The real question now? How its friends—not just its enemies—will adjust. The war is over, but the consequences are just beginning.
RELATED ARTICLE: