Former President Trump reportedly has three options to define victory if he aims to overcome Iran, though none are straightforward. The ongoing conflict near the Strait of Hormuz has seen renewed U.S. military strikes on Iranian air defense systems, coastal radar, and naval assets following attacks on commercial vessels by Iranian forces.

The ceasefire that ended the spring conflict was intended to open diplomatic channels, but hostilities have resumed, with Iran again threatening commercial shipping and the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical and dangerous chokepoint.

The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization, on July 10, urged member states to reject Iran’s unilateral attempt to control transit through the strait, labeling it a violation of international law. Meanwhile, China, while not a co-belligerent in the conflict, purchases approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports through complex tanker networks and independent refineries. This relationship provides Beijing leverage to mitigate sanctions pressure without direct involvement in the conflict, according to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

Reflecting on military doctrine, the article references former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin Powell, who cautioned that military force should only be used with a clear political objective, sufficient force, public support, and a defined exit strategy. This standard is noted as lacking in the current U.S. approach to Iran.

The situation remains unresolved, with the nuclear issue and oil prices still major concerns as the cycle of Iranian provocations and U.S. retaliations continues.

Sources