Observer Predicts Iran–U.S. Conflict May Last Several More Months

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Tensions between Iran and Israel supported by the United States are expected to persist as analysts warn the conflict may not end in the near future. The ongoing confrontation in the Middle East continues to draw global attention amid concerns about its broader geopolitical implications.

Middle East politics observer, Ali Munhanif, believes the conflict could last longer than some political leaders have predicted. He said the dynamics of the war suggest that the situation may continue to unfold for several months ahead.

In an interview with Voice of Indonesia in Jakarta, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Professor of Middle East Politics at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Ali Munhanif, Ph.D., challenged claims that the war would end quickly. He argued that such statements should be viewed critically as they may reflect political considerations.

Munhanif noted that optimistic predictions about the war’s rapid conclusion could be linked to domestic political narratives. He suggested that some statements about the conflict should be interpreted cautiously.

“So this is like part of the propaganda made by Donald Trump to describe how the war with Iran will eventually end,” Munhanif said. “I don’t think this war will end anytime soon, and it could last another four or six months as part of Iran’s strategy to attract international attention.”

According to him, Iran’s approach reflects a broader effort to shape international perceptions about the conflict. Drawing global attention to the war could help Tehran strengthen its narrative on the international stage.

He also explained that Iran understands the limitations of its military capabilities in confronting the United States directly. As a result, the strategy adopted by Tehran may focus on extending the conflict rather than achieving a quick military victory.

“The Iranian government has always realized that it cannot win this war, so the only strategy it can pursue is to prolong the conflict,” he said. “By prolonging the war, Iran seeks to draw the attention of the international community and frame the conflict within a broader political narrative.”