Nahal Toosi reports on the lack of a clear strategy to win the war in Iran.
Nahal Toosi reports that the United States currently lacks a solid strategy to win the war in Iran, leaving the country in a predicament of its own making. The situation mirrors the difficulties of the Iraq war, but with higher global stakes and a growing sense of uncertainty regarding the administration's goals. While President Trump launched the conflict to end Iran's nuclear program and degrade its military, the administration announced a shift in focus toward freeing the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian control. Analysts suggest three primary camps of thought: hawks who want to increase military pressure, restrainers who seek de-escalation and a deal, and a middle group advocating for a naval blockade to grind down the economy. Critics, including Elliott Abrams and Dan Shapiro, have noted the administration's vacillation and potential incompetence in navigating these complex trade-offs. As the U.S. faces a rising China and sinking credibility, the administration must determine whether to leave Iran as a failed state or secure a diplomatic victory.
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Trump turns to containing the fallout from setbacks in Iran
latimes.com
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As Iran War Turns Into Economic Battle, a New U.S. Strategy Recalls Old Ones
The New York Times
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Opinion | The Iran war is a master class in squandering a superpower’s credibility
The Washington Post
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Trump’s New Strategy of Nothing
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The Iran War Is a Whole New Level of Quagmire for the US
Politico