Iran war enters sixth month as Donald Trump's goals keep shifting

Six months into the Iran war, initiated by then-President Donald Trump in late February, the conflict shows no signs of conclusion despite Trump's claims of victory or a near-complete resolution. Originally, Trump expected the war to last between four and five weeks; now, six months later, there remains no evident exit strategy.

A June memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war has not materialized, and US stockpiles of crucial weapons have dwindled. Instead of launching further strikes, the Republican administration is now focusing on economic pressure against Iran. No negotiations are currently underway, and this will persist until the president perceives a meaningful response from Iran.

Over the past half year, the war's objectives have evolved and shifted. One of the primary goals now is reopening the Strait of Hormuz, initially not on Trump's list. This vital waterway, responsible for about 20% of the world's oil, was open until the war's onset, driving up fuel and fertilizer prices and causing economic and political turmoil in the US.

While the US has achieved tactical success in degrading Iran's military capabilities, some key objectives Trump set at the war's start remain unmet, while others have evolved.