Key facts
- President Trump's war against Iran is drawing comparisons to the post-9/11 "forever wars" in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- The conflict relies mainly on air and naval power, damaging Iran militarily and economically.
- Tehran's disruption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has pushed U.S. gasoline prices higher.
- Analysts warn the conflict risks becoming Trump's version of a "forever war" with no obvious exit strategy.
- Trump's administration claims success in crippling Iran's economy through sanctions and a maritime blockade.
- The war has drawn criticism from prominent figures associated with Trump's "America First" movement.
President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran is drawing comparisons to the post-9/11 "forever wars" in Afghanistan and Iraq, with analysts warning of an entrenched confrontation and significant economic costs. The conflict, characterized by air and naval power, has disrupted oil shipments, leading to higher U.S. gasoline prices and weakening Trump's approval ratings.
Administration officials maintain that the war against Iran is distinct from the protracted post-9/11 engagements, emphasizing the reliance on air and naval power rather than ground troops. However, after six months, the U.S. is mired in a battle of attrition, exemplified by recent attacks on oil tankers. Tehran's disruption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has pushed U.S. gasoline prices higher, and the war has undermined Washington's international standing.
Analysts suggest Trump has failed to learn from past conflicts, particularly regarding the political downsides of long wars and the resilience of entrenched foes. Critics have labeled "Operation Epic Fury," launched alongside Israel on February 28, as a war of choice, disputing claims that Iran's nuclear program posed an imminent threat. The conflict has also highlighted the challenges of engaging in warfare with limited international support, as European and Asian leaders have largely resisted assisting the U.S.
Unlike the Iraq invasion, which began with solid domestic support, Trump's war against Iran has faced public opposition from the outset. Prominent figures associated with his "America First" movement have also criticized the campaign. Despite these challenges, some defenders, like Mark Dubowitz of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, argue that Trump has achieved successes that will eventually lead to victory in a long-standing conflict with the Islamic Republic.