In the current conflict, the United States and Israel appear to be hoping that sustained air operations will create enough pressure to push Iran toward concessions. However, more than a week of intense strikes has not yet produced such results.
Military historians often point to past conflicts where air campaigns weakened infrastructure and military capabilities but did not by themselves determine the political outcome.
Iran retains the ability to respond
Despite heavy bombardment, Iran has continued launching retaliatory attacks against Israel and U.S. interests across the region.
Officials in Tehran say the country still maintains significant missile and drone capabilities. Iranian sources claim that hundreds of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles have been used in retaliatory operations since the conflict began.