International Figures Declare Iran's Strategic Victory Over US and Israel

Following the announcement of a ceasefire on April 8, which came after U.S. President Donald Trump accepted Iran's conditions, numerous international artists, academics, and commentators have taken to social media to declare the outcome a significant strategic defeat for the United States and Israel.

Robert A. Pape, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, described the situation as a "huge strategic defeat for the US, biggest loss since Vietnam," highlighting Iran's emergence as a new center of global power. His comments referenced Iran's 10-point peace plan, which has formed the basis for negotiations.

The Iranian proposal includes guarantees against future attacks, a permanent end to hostilities beyond a simple ceasefire, an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the lifting of all U.S. Sanctions on Iran, and a cessation of regional fighting against Iranian allies. It also outlines Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, including imposing a $2 million fee per transiting ship—to be split with Oman—and using those funds for reconstruction.

British columnist Owen Jones echoed the sentiment of a U.S. Defeat, stating on social media that Trump's acceptance of the plan as a "workable basis" represents "the biggest strategic defeat suffered by the US since its emergence as a superpower." American author Don Winslow criticized Trump for creating "an international disaster over absolutely NOTHING" and then negotiating away "EVERYTHING."

Canadian journalist Mark Slapinski declared that "History was made tonight. The United States LOST the war in Iran." Political columnist Max Burns listed the perceived gains for Iran: control of the Strait of Hormuz, unlimited uranium enrichment, lifted sanctions and UN resolutions, and cash compensation from the U.S.

Janice Stein, a professor of conflict management at the University of Toronto, called it "a huge strategic defeat for the United States," noting that neither U.S. Nor Israeli objectives were met. She pointed out that Iran now controls twenty percent of the world's oil and natural gas as a major victory.

Prominent author Stephen King linked rising U.S. Gas prices to the conflict, writing: "That’s what you get when you elect an idiot... Allow him to start a war without congressional approval." Egyptian actor Amr Waked praised Iranian resistance in posts online.

The conflict began with U.S. And Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Over 40 days, approximately 2,000 people were killed, including Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, other officials, military commanders, and numerous civilians. Initial justifications focused on preventing Iran's nuclear program, but broader goals were later revealed: regime change for Israel and control over Iranian oil and gas resources for the U.S.

Attacks targeted not only military sites but also civilian infrastructure—homes, hospitals, schools, universities, cultural centers, and historical sites—in an attempt to force surrender. A tragic example was the missile strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab on the first day of attacks. The collapse killed 185 people—mostly children aged 7 to 12—and wounded about 100 others.

Iran responded with missile and drone strikes by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) targeting Israel and U.S. Bases in the region.

On April 8, Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced it had achieved victory by forcing acceptance of its peace plan framework. Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stated that if attacks ceased, Iran would halt defensive operations and allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks via coordination with its armed forces.