Why is there still no breakthrough after more than 50 days of war between the United States and Iran? In this conversation on TOI Newspoint, former US Marine Corps combat pilot and author Michael Lester explains why the conflict has entered a strategic stalemate. Lester argues that neither side can afford to back down. For Washington, key objectives remain unmet, while for Tehran, any form of capitulation could destabilise its internal political structure. He also breaks down the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, where both sides are asserting control in different ways, creating a deadlock that is blocking negotiations. Watch the full interview for a detailed breakdown.