"Iran has disrupted global energy supplies and imposed costs on the United States and its allies, but it is not clear how it can remain in a permanent state of war," writes Hamidreza Azizi.

After five months, Iran and the United States are far from resolving the conflict. A former national security official says the most likely outcome is a frozen conflict.

War. Cease-fire. Somewhere in between. The United States and Iran can’t stop cycling between conflict and negotiation.