Trump’s Iran Strategy Could Lead to Another ‘Forever War’: NYT

A New York Times analysis says US President Donald Trump, who returned to office promising to end wars instead of starting new ones, now risks becoming involved in another long military conflict.

The report says the ongoing conflict with Iran is beginning to resemble previous US wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, which lasted for years despite early expectations of quick victories.

According to the analysis, the conflict has shifted between military action and diplomatic efforts. However, neither approach has achieved Trump’s stated goals of changing Iran’s government or ending its nuclear program.

The report says the Strait of Hormuz has become the main point of tension, with the conflict threatening global energy supplies and regional stability.

After the collapse of the ceasefire and the breakdown of a memorandum of understanding, diplomatic efforts have slowed, leaving the United States once again involved in military operations.

Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said both Washington and Tehran viewed the agreement differently, calling it “the continuation of the war by other means, not as a bridge to peace.” He warned that without a lasting political solution, the conflict could become “the circumstances for a forever war.”

The analysis compares the current situation with previous US wars that continued for years after political goals became difficult to achieve.

Lawrence D. Freedman of King’s College London said many governments believe they can win wars quickly but often underestimate the limits of military power.

The report also says Trump is trying to avoid sending US ground troops into Iran, relying mainly on air and naval attacks.

According to the analysis, the conflict is another chapter in the long-running tensions between the United States and Iran that began after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Experts quoted in the report say the Strait of Hormuz makes the current conflict different because Iran can affect one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.

The analysis adds that the region may not return to its previous situation and could see a larger and longer-lasting US military presence in the future.