
What US-Israeli targets reveal about Iran war goals three weeks in
Al Jazeera English
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Friday, March 20, 2026
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Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran
Three weeks into the conflict between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance, military analysts are beginning to decode Tehran's strategic objectives through its choice of targets. The strikes have focused heavily on degrading logistical hubs and air defense capabilities, while simultaneously utilizing cyber and psychological operations intended to foment civil unrest within Israel. Despite the intensity of the campaign, experts note that Iran has not yet committed to a single 'endgame' scenario, instead maintaining flexibility for either escalation or a negotiated settlement. The targeting of US assets in the Persian Gulf suggests an attempt to raise the cost of intervention, while strikes on Israeli infrastructure aim to disrupt daily life and pressure the government from within.