The American "Politico News Network" published an article on July 22, stating that the Trump administration has continuously launched large-scale air strikes against Iran. However, Iran has not succumbed to expectations, as the US military finds it difficult to achieve clear strategic goals through only air strikes. Air strikes may have reached their limits, and the conflict is approaching a stalemate.
Reports say that the conflict between the US and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz has lasted for several months. Trump recently threatened that if Iran attacked any Gulf ships, the US would strike “a bridge or a power plant”. However, five months of air strikes have not forced Iran to abandon its claims in the Strait of Hormuz, and the US Pentagon has not been able to completely weaken Iran’s ability to carry out drone and missile attacks.
The report indicates that unless the Trump administration significantly expands the scope of sanctions or even considers deploying ground troops, this cycle of “attacks—counterattacks” is likely to continue. The White House has yet to present a clear plan for ending this situation.
U.S. Senator Bryan Bush stated during a congressional hearing that the current situation indicates the limitations of air power, saying, “We are basically at a deadlock.” U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Casey also acknowledged that when seeking military victory, “it is necessary to recognize the limitations of air power.”
Reports cite analysts who say expanding attacks on infrastructure will not change Iran's stance, but instead may increase the risk of civilian casualties. Currently, the United States still has around 50,000 troops deployed in the Middle East, and there are no signs of preparing for a ground offensive.
Meanwhile, the cost of the war and the domestic support for the Trump administration have also become pressures. Reports indicate that U.S. officials said Iran's military forces have suffered a “huge blow,” but U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis also acknowledged that Iran “still has the capability.” So far, this war has resulted in approximately $37.5 billion in expenditures, and the White House is also seeking an additional $67 billion in war-related funds from Congress.
According to a poll by ‘PoliticiansNews.com’, among Trump’s core supporters, the proportion of those who believe that an war with Iran is ‘worth paying a economic price’ has dropped from 50% in May to about one-third.
