Washington weighs the desire to avoid a protracted war with offsetting the appearance of defeat, as Tehran debates whether to consolidate gains before conditions shift or press perceived advantages

We explore how the composition and structure of the government have changed since the US assassinated Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 28 February

Questions abound regarding the appointment, health, and role of Mojtaba Khamenei, who replaced his father on 9 March, a week after he was assassinated

Islamabad is humming with behind-the-scenes diplomacy to turn this tentative pause into lasting peace.

Security is the name of the game in Iran these days, and a small huddle of men steeped in the defence of the regime are now seen as central to decision-making in the absence of a visible cleric.

The fragile truce faces significant obstacles.

Israel's parliament approved a draconian death penalty law last week that only applies to Palestinian prisoners, in a move that the UN says "would constitute a war crime"

Should the truce unravel, China has an interest in getting the two sides back to the table, but it would be a difficult task given Tehran's deep mistrust of the US and Israel.

Instead of the "no endless wars" they were promised, Americans were thrown into a disastrous war and were feeling the economic pinch at the gas pump

The historical lesson is obvious: follow North Korea's strategy to avoid the fate of Iraq and Libya.