Despite claims of impending victory, both Iran and the US prepare for prolonged conflict, with oil supply routes under threat.
Just under two weeks after the escalation of US and Israeli military strikes on February 28, tensions in the Middle East show no signs of abating. Iran has firmly declared its readiness for a prolonged war, even as US President Donald Trump claimed that the Islamic Republic was “close to defeat.” Meanwhile, in Israel, the government remains steadfast, with no clear end in sight and an unyielding resolve to target further military objectives.
A War Without Limits
The war’s trajectory remains uncertain, with both sides expressing starkly different views on its duration and goals. In Washington, President Trump suggested that Iran’s defeat was imminent, even as he tempered this assertion with contradictory statements. On one hand, he declared the war would “end soon” and that “practically nothing” remained to be struck in Iran. On the other, during a rally in Kentucky, he questioned, “We don’t want to leave early, do we? We have to finish the job, right?” Without specifying what that job entails, Trump’s remarks left many uncertain about the true scope of US objectives.
“We don’t want to leave early, do we? We have to finish the job, right?” – Donald Trump
Meanwhile, in Tehran, the rhetoric is far more resolute. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have made it clear that they are prepared for a drawn-out conflict, with the goal of forcing the US to retreat by attacking Western interests globally. Ali Fadavi, a senior representative of the Guard, warned of a “war of attrition” capable of “destroying the entire American economy” and destabilizing the global economy at large.
Oil Crisis Deepens
As the military operations continue, the ripple effects are being felt beyond the battlefield. The conflict is putting immense pressure on global oil supplies, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes—becoming a focal point. Despite Trump’s assurances that “great security” would soon return to this vital chokepoint, the reality remains precarious.
The US has also reported the destruction of 28 mine-laying ships, a major international concern given the threat of the strait being mined, which could further disrupt global shipping routes. Meanwhile, the price of oil continues to soar, contributing to higher fuel prices at the pump in many countries, which could intensify economic strain worldwide.
In a related warning, the US military has advised Iranian civilians to evacuate ports in the Strait of Hormuz region. The military stated that if these ports are “used for military purposes,” they would lose their protected status under international law. In response, Iranian forces warned that any attack on their ports or docks would result in all such facilities in the region being considered legitimate military targets.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains clear that the geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian consequences of this escalating conflict will be felt for some time to come.