Six months of war: Where things stand with the US and Iran
Six months of war: Where things stand between the US and Iran
Friday marks six months since the U.S.-Iran war began. Here’s how the Trump administration has shifted on its strategies and goals.
WASHINGTON —
Friday marks six months since the U.S. launched military strikes on Iran, as the Trump administration continues to shift strategies on how to end the war.
The administration initially focused on military action but has since pivoted to economic measures aimed at pressuring Iran.
Strait of Hormuz remains biggest sticking point
Now, one of President Donald Trump’s primary goals is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping lane through which 20% of the world’s oil passes.
The shipping data firm Kpler reported five ships sailed through the strait on Tuesday. Before the war, more than a hundred ships moved through the waterway daily.
Trump and his administration argue they’re helping move ships through in a way that can’t be tracked.
Trump told reporters on Thursday, “The Strait is open. We’re taking a lot of boats, and millions and millions of barrels of oil are coming out of the Strait every day. Other countries recognize that.”
The conflict has disrupted the Strait and global energy markets, including those in the U.S., where gas prices have climbed from a national average of $2.98 per gallon before the war to $4.09 per gallon, according to AAA. The Hearst Television Get the Facts Data Team noted that this month could set a record for the most expensive August at the pump.
Track Gas And Oil Price Findings From The Get The Facts Data Team Here.
Trump turns to sanctions strategy
This week, the administration announced plans to use economic isolation to force Iran into submission, urging countries like China and Russia to stop trading with Iran and purchasing its oil.
Still, the window to develop a treaty stemming from a memorandum of understanding made in June has passed with no signs of progress, though Trump maintains the U.S. is winning, or has already won, the war.
“There’s not a lot to speak to. We don’t want to speak to them. We’re not looking to meet or anything,” he said on Thursday.
Trump’s shifting goals over course of war
Reasons for the conflict have varied over time. Trump has mentioned:
- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
- Ending Iran’s nuclear program
- Destroying Iran’s missile and military capabilities
- Defending Middle East allies
- Eliminating Iran’s proxy militant groups
- Bringing stability to the Middle East
War depletes U.S. weapons stockpile
Concerns have arisen over the U.S. military’s resources. Two officials told the Associated Press that the U.S. military is experiencing a “beyond critical” shortage of advanced missile interceptors in Europe, though the Pentagon denies the claim.
The shortage has raised concerns among NATO allies about the availability of American Patriot missiles to defend against potential Russian attacks.
The U.S. has used a significant number of the weapons in the war with Iran, which are also needed in Ukraine.
The Wall Street Journal reported that CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow to warn Russia against attacking Europe.
President Trump described the trip as routine and expressed confidence that Russia would not attack Europe.
Watch the latest on the war in Iran: