Taking wasn't the goal. I don't understand the goal, but it is clear that taking Iran wasn't.

The U.S. isnt checkmated, the U.S. is enforcing a naval blockade against Iran and their oil based economy is in a free fall with rapid inflation. The U.S. is experiencing slightly higher gas prices but economy is still humming. Meanwhile the U.S. military has not exhausted all of its options while Iran has none.

More like a draw it seems.

> "They essentially shot off fireworks, killed the figure head and then got check mated"

I mean, that's certainly a take. A wholly inaccurate one, but it's a take.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Iranian_officials_kill...