From Gulf states to global media, the quiet shifts behind the scenes may reveal more about the Iran war’s outcome than the war itself.
March 22, 2026 — By Pshtiwan Faraj
A growing number of geopolitical signals suggest momentum in the conflict between the United States and Iran may be shifting, according to historian and military analyst Victor Davis Hanson, who argues that the behavior of regional and global actors offers a clearer picture than official statements.
Speaking in a recent commentary, Hanson said that despite competing narratives surrounding the war, the actions of governments, media outlets and military forces indicate a potential advantage for Washington — though independent verification of battlefield conditions remains limited.
Shifting Positions Among Allies and Partners
European governments, traditionally cautious in military engagements, are showing signs of increased alignment with the United States, Hanson said. While early responses were muted, recent diplomatic and logistical movements suggest a recalibration as the conflict evolves.
In the Gulf, countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar are also adjusting their posture. Hanson pointed to reported security measures and continued economic engagement with Washington as indicators of strategic positioning.
“These are not symbolic gestures,” Hanson said, describing them as calculated decisions based on perceived developments in the conflict.
Media Signals and Regional Messaging
Hanson also highlighted what he described as a notable shift in tone from Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based broadcaster that has historically been critical of U.S. military actions in the region.
According to Hanson, commentary praising the effectiveness of U.S. operations — if sustained — could reflect broader regional perceptions of the conflict’s trajectory. However, such interpretations remain contested and subject to editorial variation.
Military Indicators Under Scrutiny
On the battlefield, Hanson cited the reported deployment of aircraft such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II and AH-64 Apache in strike roles as a potential indicator of reduced air defense threats.
Defense analysts generally note that such platforms are typically used in environments where air superiority has been established, though no official confirmation has been provided regarding the operational scope inside Iranian airspace.
Iran’s Strategic Calculus
Hanson argued that Iran’s strategy may increasingly rely on prolonging the conflict, betting on shifts in U.S. domestic opinion or political timelines to alter Washington’s approach.
That assessment aligns with broader expert views that prolonged conflicts can reshape political dynamics, particularly in election cycles, though the extent of such influence remains uncertain.
An Uncertain Endgame
While Hanson concluded that current signals point toward a possible U.S. advantage, he cautioned that wars are rarely decided by perception alone.
Independent analysts warn that the conflict remains fluid, with risks of escalation across the region, including threats to energy infrastructure and maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
For now, observers say the most reliable indicator may not be official rhetoric, but the evolving behavior of states with direct stakes in the outcome.
As Hanson put it: “Watch what people do, not what they say.”
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