"Is America's 'Big Brother' Era Over? Iran's 'Invisible' Power Has Pentagon Sleepless"

"Is America's 'Big Brother' Era Over? Iran's 'Invisible' Power Has Pentagon Sleepless"

-Friday World February 19, 2026

Washington-Tel Aviv-Tehran: A Superpower's Dilemma The world's greatest superpower, once dubbed the global 'big brother,' is now trapped in its own web. America, which has long intimidated others with its might, finds itself deeply entangled in the escalating crisis between Iran and Israel. Move forward and fall into the well; retreat and tumble into the abyss—this is the current predicament of the U.S. administration. If it backs away from war, its prestige will become a global joke. If it launches a fight, its closest ally, Israel, could vanish from the map. This is not merely a political game; it's the prelude to a conflict where strategy and patience are tested more than raw power.

 The story begins in the scorching sands of the Middle East, where tensions have simmered for decades. America has always treated Israel as its favored child, but Iran's rising strength has turned everything upside down. Iran, once seemingly crushed under U.S. sanctions, has emerged like a lion challenging the superpower head-on. In this in-depth analysis, we explore how America's overwhelming offensive capability has become a burden, while Iran's invisible strategies have stunned the world. Grounded in facts, history, and current events, this piece captures the thrilling geopolitical drama unfolding before our eyes. 

Killing Power Abundant, But Endurance Lacking: America and Israel's Weakness Listen closely—this is fresh and spot-on! America and Israel possess immense striking power: advanced missiles, drones, fighter jets, and naval forces capable of shaking the globe. Yet when it comes to absorbing blows, their resolve falters. This is precisely why U.S. leaders hesitate before attacking Iran. History bears witness: America showcased its strength in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, but prolonged wars exhausted its people and economy every time. Israel, often called the Middle East's lion, excels in short skirmishes but questions remain about how its population and infrastructure would endure a full-scale war.

 Recall that classic Hindi film dialogue: "Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones!" It fits America and Israel perfectly. America's economy is the world's largest, yet it buckles under war costs. Trillions in budgets clash with rising public discontent and fears over global image. Israel, heavily reliant on U.S. aid, risks missile barrages on its cities if it engages Iran fully. Hezbollah, Hamas, and other Iran-backed groups stand ready at Israel's borders. America knows that striking Iran would spike global oil prices sky-high, crippling its own economy. 

Iran exploits this vulnerability masterfully. Iranian leaders repeatedly warn that America and Israel's bullying days are over. Iran's missile technology, drones, and ballistic systems have advanced to the point where they can penetrate defenses like Israel's Iron Dome. For America, this is a psychological war—they realize attacking Iran means a long, costly, uncertain conflict. 

Not 12 Days, But 12 Hours: Iran's Threat and Its Reality Iran has declared bluntly: "Forget the old 12-day wars! If conflict erupts now, in just 12 hours, Israel and U.S. military bases will be in such ruin that the world will watch in shock!" This isn't mere bravado—it's strategic messaging. Recall the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War that dragged on for eight years, but times have changed. Iran's military now fields hypersonic missiles traveling five times the speed of sound, evading radar. 

The Revolutionary Guards have conducted repeated exercises simulating strikes on U.S. ships and Israeli targets. In war, Iran's plan involves saturating Israel's key cities—like Tel Aviv and Haifa—with missile volleys in the opening hours. U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, and Gulf states would also face targeting. Iran claims over 1,000 ballistic missiles ready for simultaneous launch, a "swarm attack" strategy that could overload Israel's defenses.

 Is this feasible? Experts believe full victory in 12 hours is unlikely, but Iran could inflict massive early damage. U.S. intelligence acknowledges Iran's asymmetric warfare—guerrilla-style tactics—could create serious difficulties. Iran-backed militias across the region could disrupt U.S. supply lines. 

The 'Ghost' of the Sea: Iran's Submarines and America's Fear The real terror lurks beneath the waves! Iran's "Ghadir"-class submarines, prowling the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf, rob the Pentagon of sleep. Tracking their locations is a persistent headache. These diesel-electric vessels operate quietly, evading sonar. Iran fields at least three advanced units armed with torpedoes and cruise missiles. 

The Pentagon fears these "sea ghosts" could deliver surprise "gifts"—missiles—from anywhere. U.S. carrier groups in the Gulf are prime targets. In conflict, these subs could sink American vessels, questioning U.S. naval supremacy. This explains the stalled war: the enemy remains unseen yet omnipresent.

 Iran's naval doctrine centers on "anti-access/area denial," blocking large ships from the region. America has tried satellite and drone tracking, but Iran's subs employ "hit-and-run" tactics. This is psychological warfare—fear alone deters U.S. action. 

The Lion Meets a Worthy Opponent: Now It's a Game of Location In conclusion, America's era of unchallenged dominance is fading. Iran has proven that true power lies not just in weapons but in strategy and patience. The lion has met its match, and the game has shifted from brute force to "location." If America retreats, its global image tarnishes; if it fights, losses will be immense. The world moves toward a multipolar order where America is no longer the sole boss.

 This situation forces reflection: peace lies only through dialogue. Iran, America, and Israel must sit at the diplomatic table, or this crisis could engulf the globe in flames. In war, truth ultimately prevails—no one truly wins. 

Sajjadali Nayani ✍ 

Friday World February 19, 2026