The United States is desperate to ensure the conflict with Iran is not perceived as a loss, according to Dr. Patrick Schoettmer.
The perception of this conflict carries significant weight for U.S. foreign policy and domestic stability. If the Iranian regime emerges from the current tension in a stronger position, it could undermine American strategic interests and embolden adversaries in the region.
Schoettmer, a professor of American politics at Seattle University, discussed these concerns during an interview with Sky News Australia. He said there is a "serious concern" the Iranian regime could emerge in a stronger position without a significant deal [1].
According to Schoettmer, the U.S. is particularly focused on the optics of the situation. He said the Americans are particularly worried about that, and they don’t want this conflict to look like a loss [1]. This desire to avoid a perceived defeat stems from both geopolitical calculations and internal political pressure.
Schoettmer noted that the American public's view of the situation is already fractured. He said a lot of Americans already feel that this was a very significant blunder [1]. This suggests that the administration is navigating a narrow path between achieving a strategic victory and managing a narrative of failure at home.
The risk of the Iranian regime gaining strength without a formal agreement remains a primary driver of U.S. anxiety. Without a deal that imposes clear constraints, or secures specific concessions, the U.S. may struggle to justify the conflict's outcome to its citizens and allies.
“The Americans are particularly worried about that; they don’t want this conflict to look like a loss.”
The focus on the 'perception' of loss indicates that the U.S. is fighting a dual war: one of geopolitical maneuvering with Iran and another of narrative control within its own borders. If the conflict ends without a tangible 'win' or a comprehensive deal, the U.S. risks a loss of credibility that could diminish its influence in the Middle East and fuel domestic political volatility.
