Trump would also have to navigate the loyalty the US state apparatus has to Israel. Iran has made it clear that the ceasefire option is off the table this time round. So I just don’t see the US extricating itself from this quagmire barring some extreme political upheaval.

But who knows, if you take Trump’s incompetence, plus the possibility of global economic collapse, plus the possibility of global food shortages, we just might see it.

Trump is old and a lame duck. I think he sees not backing down in as his last hope of creating a legacy

That "lame duck" still owns Congress lock, stock and barrel. Don't underestimate the damage he can still do.

The only question is which country he's hurting more, the US or Iran.

"Lame duck" doesn't apply as cleanly when Congress is complicit.