'The US and Iran don't want a return to full-scale warfare, but neither can appear to be the loser'

Tensions between the US and Iran are escalating as the US launched another round of strikes on July 8, following President Trump's declaration that the ceasefire was over at the NATO summit. Iran retaliated by targeting civilian infrastructure, which they labeled as a "gross war crime," highlighting the dangerous stalemate where neither side wants full-scale war but both are unwilling to back down. This standoff underscores the precarious balance of power in the region and raises concerns about the potential for wider conflict.