NYT: Iran’s leadership became more risk-tolerant after conflict A report published by The New York Times argues that the military campaign waged by the United States and Israel against Iran failed to achieve its stated strategic objectives and instead produced a more resilient and hardline Iranian state. According to the publication, the war was intended to weaken the Iranian government or encourage internal political change while also curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Instead, the report says, Iran’s political system remained intact and underwent a restructuring that increased the influence of the military establishment, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.