Despite stunning early successes in Israel’s unprecedented strikes on Iran, a weekend of intensive bombardment and retaliation is raising questions about Israel’s exit strategy – how it can end this conflict with its ambitious goals achieved.

The evolving confrontation with Israel and the United States places the Islamic Republic of Iran at a critical inflection point. Tehran faces choices that range from limited negotiation and strategic restraint to escalation and eventual collapse.

Iran has prepared missiles for strikes on U.S. bases in the Middle East should the U.S. join Israel’s war, according to American officials. Despite Russia’s close ties with Iran, the Kremlin is not getting involved,