The war launched by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against Iran has now lasted over a month. Despite the overwhelming military power of the US and Israeli regimes, the Iranian government has shown resilience and continues to fight back. Trump's hopes for a quick victory have been dashed, as the Iranian leadership leverages its institutional strength and strategic planning to withstand the attacks.
A critical development in the conflict has been Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has cut off approximately 20% of global oil supplies and sent shockwaves through international financial markets. Iran maintains control of the strait using inexpensive drones launched from its territory, posing a persistent challenge to the US and Israel, who struggle to counter this asymmetric threat effectively.
Trump's approach to the war is reportedly marred by a lack of coherent strategy. He allegedly relies on gut instincts rather than detailed intelligence and planning, which purportedly undermines the operational effectiveness of US forces. In an interview with Fox News Radio, Trump stated the war would end "when I feel it in my bones," highlighting his ad-hoc and unprofessional management style.
In contrast, Netanyahu has long contemplated war with Iran and articulated clear objectives in a video statement. However, even Israeli military assessments concede that crippling the Iranian regime requires US partnership. Netanyahu supposedly persuaded Trump to join the conflict, but this decision has allegedly led to unforeseen complications and a protracted engagement.
Negotiations are currently underway between the parties, but a deal seems unlikely. Trump's purported 15-point peace plan, based on leaks, reads like terms of surrender, while Iran has countered with demands including recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations, and the removal of US bases from the Middle East. If no agreement is reached, Trump may either declare a hollow victory or escalate the war, potentially triggering a deeper global economic crisis.
Source: www.bbc.com