India, March 16 -- US President Donald Trump, who had initially framed the American-Israeli strikes on Iran as a swift decapitation operation expected to be completed within hours and stabilised within days, is now seeking military support from allies as the conflict widens. But governments across NATO and other US partners have indicated they will not join the war, leaving Washington effectively fighting alongside only Israel.

The war began with joint US and Israeli strikes aimed at crippling Iran's military command structure and strategic infrastructure. Officials in Washington had privately suggested the operation would quickly neutralise Iran's leadership and deter retaliation.

Instead, Iranian missile strikes and activity by Tehra...