5 Reasons Why Iran May Want To Prolong The War Despite Heavy Losses

Last Updated:March 31, 2026, 10:03 IST

CNN reports Iran is prolonging conflict with US and Israel to reshape regional order, gain negotiation leverage, weaponize energy, exhaust rivals, and ensure regime survival

Even as Iran faces mounting military and economic pressure, its leadership is pointing to a willingness to prolong the conflict with the US and Israel, aiming to reshape regional dynamics in its favour, CNN reported. Despite significant losses, Tehran appears focused on leveraging the war to extract long-term strategic gains, reports suggest.

Here are five key reasons why Iran may be extending the conflict:

Forcing A New Regional Order

Iran’s leadership is pushing for a reset of the Middle East’s power balance, including a shift in long-standing alliances between Gulf states and the US.

Analysts told CNN that Tehran wants to position itself as an indispensable regional player whose stability is tied to global energy and economic security. The goal is to shape a “day after" scenario where Iran is no longer isolated but central to regional equilibrium, reports said.

Also Read: Iran Drone Strike Sets Oil Tanker Ablaze Off Dubai, Raises Spill Concerns

Gaining Leverage In Negotiations

By prolonging the conflict, Iran may be attempting to strengthen its bargaining position in any future ceasefire talks.

Iranian officials have outlined maximalist demands, including war reparations, a revised framework for the Strait of Hormuz, and concessions tied to sanctions relief. According to CNN, Tehran may even push for tolls on maritime traffic or the unfreezing of overseas assets, reports noted.

Using Economic Pressure As A Weapon

Iran’s strategy relies heavily on disrupting global energy markets to raise the cost of the conflict for its adversaries.

Repeated attacks on shipping routes and energy infrastructure have already impacted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Experts told CNN that Iran’s approach is rooted in asymmetric warfare — not winning militarily, but making the war too costly to continue, reports said.

Also Read: Iran Approves Strait Of Hormuz Plan With Tolls For Vessels, Bans US, Israeli Ships

Banking On War Fatigue Among Rivals

Tehran appears to be betting that prolonged disruption — especially rising oil prices and instability in the Gulf — will strain the patience of the US and its allies.

Experts cited by CNN said global markets and regional economies cannot indefinitely absorb sustained shocks, giving Iran leverage over time, reports added.

Ensuring Regime Survival Through Escalation

At its core, Iran’s strategy is driven by survival. With leadership losses and internal strain mounting, prolonging the war allows the regime to project strength and maintain internal cohesion.

CNN reported that Iran had prepared for a long conflict, including decentralised military plans and contingency responses. Analysts said the aim is not outright victory, but restoring deterrence and forcing adversaries into accommodation, reports said.

Also Read: Seizing Kharg Island? How The US Could Attempt A Strategic Takeover

Despite US claims that Iran’s military has been severely weakened, Tehran has continued launching strikes across the region, underlining its intent to sustain the conflict.

As analysts told CNN, Iran “does not need to win this war militarily" — it needs to make continuing it untenable for everyone else, reports added.

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