Trump Has Run Out of Goals in Iran—What's Next? — Politico
The U.S. has exhausted its list of key targets for airstrikes against Iran, leaving the next steps in question. Despite this, Tehran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz, keeping tensions high in the oil market.
According to media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered strikes to continue for another three weeks, but the military no longer has significant targets to attack. As a result, Washington faces a choice between winding down the operation or shifting to ground operations.
This is reported in an analytical article by Politico.
Despite Trump’s promises to “strike even harder” against Iran, military analysts are sounding the alarm. Most key targets have already been hit, the publication writes. Iran’s remaining ballistic missiles are securely hidden in fortified underground bunkers.
It is practically impossible to penetrate these military bunkers from the air alone. Without a ground invasion, these facilities will remain untouched.
"We can simply continue working on a list of targets whose significance is diminishing, and continue to provoke Iran to such an extent that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will maintain firm control over the government and consider itself justified in waging a holy war against the U.S. indefinitely," a Defense Department official told Politico.
Tehran’s Economic Trap
Experts interviewed by the publication say that Iran is waging war not through tactics, but through economic pressure. Tehran firmly controls the Strait of Hormuz, which allows the regime to control global oil markets.
At the same time, this pressure primarily affects Trump himself, as his voters are furious over gas prices. Iran’s strategy of “waiting out” the Americans is beginning to bear fruit, the article notes.
Experts identify three main problems for the U.S.:
- key military targets have been exhausted;
- the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked;
- Trump is under pressure, as he must choose between disgrace and sending in troops.
What Trump Might Decide to Do in Iran
Despite the trap, Trump still has options, as he could resort to strikes on civilian infrastructure.
"Under no circumstances can Trump just walk away. He will be humiliated if he leaves; and we will be in a difficult position if he stays," a Pentagon source explained to reporters.
Trump himself has already hinted at expanding the list of targets. If negotiations do not accelerate, power plants and water treatment facilities will come under attack.
At the same time, U.S. aircraft are not yet targeting Iran’s oil facilities. Trump believes they will be needed for the country’s future reconstruction. However, the option of seizing Kharg Island—Iran’s main oil export hub—is being considered. Such a move would require the involvement of tens of thousands of American soldiers.
Democrats in Congress have already expressed concern. They are demanding that Trump present a clear strategy for exiting the conflict.
Iran has dismissed Trump’s peace initiatives.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had received a message from the new leader of the Iranian regime requesting a ceasefire. Trump is willing to consider this possibility only on the condition that the Strait of Hormuz is fully opened for the free and safe passage of ships.
As a reminder, the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and is threatening a “harsh response” to ships.
The Strait of Hormuz could also become the “Trump Strait.”
