The president of , , and the prime minister of , , have only difficult choices to make regarding the one they unleashed against him and which is now in its third week.
Iran’s resilience and sense of urgency
The staffs in Washington and Tel Aviv, according to several reports in Israeli and international media, seem to realize that the Iranian regime is not going to collapse anytime soon.
This finding, without accounting for the enormous damage caused by the tension in the Strait of Hormuz, lends a sense of urgency to immediate decisions on the timing of the attack.
The main question
The Israeli side, as reported by the spokesman of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Effie Defrin, estimates that the operations will last at least another three weeks.
In fact, it is indicative that according to Yedioth Ahronoth, on Sunday in the Pentagon was found the g.g. of Israel’s Defense Ministry Amir Baram for discussions with Pentagon officials regarding the continuation of the war, necessary equipment purchases and enhanced strategic cooperation.
The American side appears divided: on the one hand it is repeated that the war will end soon, while on the other the American forces are being militarily strengthened in the region, with several analysts considering the development of ground operations, at least in the Straits, possible.
Strategic impasse for the US?
European media and analysts describe the situation as a strategic impasse for the US. Despite the intensity of business, on which more than $12 billion has been spent — according to the director of the US National Economic Council, Kevin Hassett — the results do not seem to live up to the initial expectations, as President Trump tries to present in his public appearances.
The confrontation between Trump and Aragchi
Indicative of the situation is that President Trump claimed that Iran is trying to make a deal with him, but he does not accept because “the terms are not good enough yet.” A few hours later, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that “there is no reason to talk with the US, since twice when we were in negotiations they attacked us” and made it clear that “we never asked for negotiations or a truce, we are ready to defend ourselves as long as necessary.”
New balances in the Straits of Hormuz
The “closing” of the Straits of Hormuz has sent oil prices skyrocketing internationally. The U.S. appears to be losing the initiative, as Iranian officials clarify that the effective ban mainly concerns vessels of American and Israeli interests.
At the same time, Tehran is in contact with several governments so that ships of their interests — such as India or, according to previous announcements, Turkey — pass through the Straits.
Trump’s proposal for an international alliance
The non-response or even the rejection of Trump’s proposal for an international alliance to control the Straits comes alongside the telephone communication between the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and his Iranian counterpart, Massoud Pezeskian.
Regarding the international coalition, the US government made it clear that there will be announcements within the week, as, according to the Wall Street Journal, there are countries that have already agreed to participate.
Tension erupts across the Middle East
Iranian attacks continue across almost the entire Middle East, from Iraqi Kurdistan to Oman and from Yemen to Israel, Lebanon and Syria. In this context, Israel appears ready to raise the reserve limit and call up up to 450,000 civilians, possibly in response to the regrouping of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
