US President Donald Trump faces a difficult moment as the US-Israel war against Iran enters its six-month mark, despite his earlier assurances that the conflict would be a short “little excursion” lasting only weeks.
The war continues, but Trump says US strikes and a blockade have severely damaged Iran’s leadership, military and economy. His administration has now shifted focus from military action to increasing economic pressure, threatening sanctions against countries and entities that continue trading with Tehran.
The change in approach comes amid concerns over depleted US munitions stocks after months of fighting and the potential impact on American military readiness elsewhere.
Trump has softened his previous claims of a rapid resolution, saying this week that he is “not in a hurry” to bring Iran back to negotiations. He continues to argue that Iran’s leadership is under severe pressure.
“They’re not paying their troops. They’re in deep trouble. They have very little capacity,” Trump told reporters Thursday. “We don’t want to speak to them. We’re not looking to meet or anything,” he said.
The prolonged conflict has created political challenges for Trump, who previously criticised US involvement in long wars and promised to avoid “endless wars”. The president has rejected comparisons with the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, arguing that no American troops have entered Iran.
Trump has also declared “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 2026” in a social media post, echoing a phrase associated with former president George W. Bush’s premature victory declaration during the Iraq War.
Although Trump says Iran’s military capabilities have been badly damaged, Tehran has maintained leverage through attacks around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. Trump said the strait was open, but traffic remains far below pre-war levels.
Diplomatic efforts by Qatar and Pakistan continue, but Washington has shown limited interest in returning to earlier negotiations. Trump’s administration is instead pursuing an economic campaign aimed at restricting Iran’s trade networks.
“We have control and we have the blockade,” Trump said. “Iran is not getting anything. Nothing is going through.”
Analysts say sanctions and military strikes have weakened Iran, but the country has a long history of adapting to economic pressure through alternative trade and financial networks.
“This administration has completely underestimated the Iranian resolve,” said geopolitical risk analyst Aarathi Krishnan. “This is not new to the Iranian regime.”
The extent of Washington’s next steps remains uncertain as the administration weighs further sanctions and pressure on Iran’s trade partners.
