Israel and the United States delivered a blow to Iran. But it could come back stronger.

By Graeme Wood

From the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠October 2025 issue⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices