economist.com
Source: economist.com
- US strikes have crippled Iran's navy, missiles, and drones, but the war drags on without clear political victory.
- Prolonged conflict drains US military resources, weakening readiness against China and eroding Gulf alliances.
- Iran gains strategically by accelerating its nuclear ambitions and boosting China's global position.
The US, under Trump, launched massive strikes on Iran in late February 2026 after threats over protests and nuclear fears, aiming to smash its military and proxies. Even with tactical wins like sinking over 50 Iranian vessels, the war risks sapping American power for years by tying down forces and fracturing alliances. It matters because this could reshape Middle East security, tilt balances toward China, and fail to stop Iran's nuclear push.