Kathmandu— A ceasefire agreement reached in April 2026 has failed to halt the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States. Following an Iranian attack on July 28, the US retaliated with a series of airstrikes targeting key military installations in Iran on July 30, according to NPR. The ongoing war, which began in February, has seen extensive damage to both military and civilian infrastructure, resulting in thousands of casualties.

Escalation and Retaliation

The conflict escalated dramatically on July 28 when Iran launched an attack against US forces. In response, the United States conducted a heavy wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian military command centers and missile facilities on July 30. This retaliation marks a significant intensification of hostilities in the Middle East.

Despite nearly $40 billion in US spending on the war effort and damage to American military assets, the conflict has not sparked widespread public debate among Americans. The casualties remain relatively low, with only 18 official US deaths reported as of July 30.

Historical Context

The current detachment from the war marks a departure from earlier American history when conflicts were felt more directly and romanticized through glory and duty. The Civil War shattered these beliefs by exposing Americans to the realities of industrial warfare, while Europe’s descent into World War I revealed how easily countries could underestimate the costs of conflict.

Mark Twain blamed novels like those of Sir Walter Scott for fostering romantic notions of chivalry among Southern elites during the Civil War era. Northern leaders were also overconfident about the war's outcome, pushing General Irvin McDowell to advance before his army was ready in hopes of delivering a decisive blow.

Public Perception and Policy

The lack of public interest in the Iran conflict reflects a broader trend where wars are fought with limited direct impact on daily life. This detachment can delay questioning about the reasons for war, its duration, and what constitutes success.

President Donald Trump had earlier stated that the war would last four to five weeks and lead to the collapse of the Iranian government. However, the conflict has outlasted these initial expectations.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.