The Iran war is backfiring on Israel, strengthening the enemy it tried to crush.

• Israel expected the war to weaken Iran and give cover for further expansion in the region.
• Instead, the conflict has triggered a wave of growth for Iran, Israel's main rival.
• Israel counted on US military backing to break Iran's back, but the plan is not working as intended.
• Israel now has no clear way to reverse the boost the war has given Iran.

Outlook: Iran looks set to come out of this war stronger, leaving Israel stuck with a more dangerous adversary than before.