American presidents rarely plan for wars to extend indefinitely. However, conflicts have persisted since Vietnam, often lasting until a successor acknowledges the costs and political fallout, finally pulling back.
President Trump, who campaigned on ending wars rather than initiating them, could find himself in a similar position with Iran. He aimed to stay away from prolonged Middle Eastern conflicts. Yet, his critics suggest he may be ensnared in one.
The war involving Israel and the United States began forcefully but has vacillated between diplomacy and military action. These efforts have not achieved Trump’s objectives of regime change or dismantling Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Instead, the conflict has birthed a new challenge: obstructing the Strait of Hormuz.
With attempts at diplomatic resolution stalled, Trump confronts renewed war, a broken cease-fire, and a blocked strait. The memorandum of understanding, which he claimed would fulfill all initial goals, is ineffective within a month due to differing interpretations.
“Both sides looked to the memorandum of understanding as the continuation of the war by other means, not as a bridge to peace,” said Ali Vaez, Iran project director for the International Crisis Group.
Ali Vaez warns that without a sustainable settlement, the situation might evolve into a ‘forever war.’