As the United States and Israel approach significant electoral periods, international relations experts are evaluating the potential impact of a hypothetical three-day joint military operation against Iran. The discussion centers on whether a brief, high-intensity offensive could succeed where eight months of persistent confrontation have failed to alter the regional status quo.

Federico Donelli, an Associate Professor of International Relations at the University of Trieste, argues that the effectiveness of such an operation is questionable. According to Donelli, there is a significant gap between the assumption that military force will yield a decisive outcome and the reality of complex geopolitical conflicts. He posits that the primary strategic question for policymakers is whether the goal of potential strikes is to physically degrade Iran's military capabilities or to use the threat of force as leverage to compel Tehran to return to the negotiating table.

While the prospect of a joint attack is frequently discussed in security circles, analysts remain divided on the long-term utility of such actions. Some observers suggest that military pressure is a tool for containment, while others warn that short-term strikes may not address the underlying political drivers of the conflict. The discourse highlights a broader skepticism regarding whether intensified military engagement can force a change in Iran's regional posture or domestic policy, particularly when both the US and Israel are navigating sensitive domestic political landscapes.