I agree with everything you said. However, as you mentioned about Russia, "It was a failure of intelligence and assessment", isn't the same true for the US?

Trump was clearly informed by prior National Security Advisors, and I suspect the military, of the dangers of war with Iran. He simply refused to listen. Perhaps influenced by the easy success in Venezuela, he wanted to enhance his "tough guy" reputation by repeating this in Iran. Solve the Mid-East tensions. Even maybe win his cherished Nobel Peace Prize?? In other words, it was all about Trump and his ego - and unchallenged by his kiss-ass choices of cabinet and advisors. Note how rapidly military commanders that don't support his views have been removed from service.

I think Putin has the same kind of ego as Trump, but is far smarter. In his case, maybe he was told what he wanted to hear by his military advisors, seeking favor. His drive is to be seen as a strong Russia, one to be feared, not invaded, and restore the former USSR.

One thing that hasn't received a lot of attention about Putin is his military focus on doom's-day weapons. Nuclear powered cruise missiles with unlimited range. Drone subs that can penetrate US & Great Britain offshore waters and detonate large scale nuclear weapons that cause massive title waves that overwhelm coastal cities. One Russian military leader has openly threatened Great Britain with such because of it's support for the Ukraine. Such makes others fear invading Russia, letting him play the brinkmanship game of invasions such as the Ukraine. And what he's doing now toying with border nations that support the Ukraine.

It is all about the top dictator in both the USA and Russia. But I think the drives are different in scope. Trump is about himself, damn the USA. Putin is about Russia and world power.

Meanwhile, China - better managed than both - quietly keeps getting stronger and more prepared for war. It has a long range plan to dominate the Far East.

Just my opinions.