Thirteen nights of US strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure have pushed two longtime adversaries closer to open conflict. Iran has retaliated by targeting American allies in the Gulf, raising fears of a cycle of escalation that could spiral into a prolonged war. Main Developments US bombers have hit Iranian bridges, airports, electrical facilities and a desalination plant over 13 consecutive nights. Iran responded by striking civilian infrastructure belonging to US allies in the Gulf region. President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate attacks further, raising the prospect of wider Iranian retaliation and an all-out war. The daily exchange of strikes shows no immediate sign of de-escalation. Read also: Why Iran's Gulf warning escalates before Netanyahu's US trip Background The US and Iran have been locked in conflict for decades, rooted in the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the subsequent hostage crisis. Tensions have flared repeatedly over Iran's nuclear program, its support for proxy groups, and US military presence in the region. Ali Kadivar, associate professor of sociology and international studies at Boston College, discussed the historical patterns on Al Jazeera's UpFront program. Past confrontations, including the 1980s Tanker War and recent drone attacks, have shaped the current trajectory. Why It Matters Each side's targeting of civilian infrastructure escalates the conflict beyond military objectives, drawing in regional allies and risking a broader war. If the cycle continues, the humanitarian toll could mount rapidly, and the conflict may become self-sustaining—what some analysts call a forever war. What's Next Trump's threats of further escalation leave open the question of whether either side will seek a diplomatic off-ramp. Iran's next move—whether retaliatory strikes against additional Gulf targets or a shift to asymmetric tactics—will determine if the conflict expands or stabilizes.