Neither side has good option for exit; US has military capability but no clear exit; Iran believes it can outlast US but also lacks good options if war returns; both sides significantly underestimate each other's capabilities and readiness to continue; this reduces willingness to compromise; most likely way to unstuck is to go back to war.

President Trump didn't want to declare ceasefire broken even when Iranians shot at UAE and US naval vessels; there's no clear good option for getting results he wants by going back to war.

Iran's Supreme Leader overestimates his strength; there were massive protests over collapse of Iranian currency (rial) earlier this year, put down by extreme force - sign of weak regime, not strong one; he doesn't care about pain inflicted on own people; believes he can outlast President Trump who will be under election pressure and from other foreign leaders.

Iran is now weaker still after the attacks; Supreme Leader believes he can impose his will with threat of violence.