Why did Washington and Tehran both choose the exit?

The 2026 Iran war, which started with coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes, ultimately ended because the escalating costs for both Washington and Tehran made continuing the conflict untenable. While the U.S. faced significant military and economic burdens, Iran grappled with severe internal unrest and economic sanctions. This mutual decision to exit highlights a broader trend where prolonged conflicts often conclude not due to outright victory, but because the benefits of fighting no longer outweigh the costs. This situation underscores the complexities of modern warfare and the importance of strategic calculus in international relations.