After Six Months of War with Iran, US Focus Shifts to Strait of Hormuz

Six months after President Donald Trump launched war with Iran in late February, U.S. goals have shifted, with reopening the Strait of Hormuz now a top priority as the conflict shows no end despite initial forecasts of a four-to-five-week campaign. A June memorandum of understanding to end the war has collapsed, while U.S. weapons stockpiles have dwindled and the administration has pivoted to economic pressure. Trump claims tactical success in degrading Iran's military, but objectives like stopping Iran's nuclear program and destroying its missiles remain partially unfulfilled, with about 970 pounds of enriched uranium still unsecured. The Strait of Hormuz, carrying 20% of world oil, has been largely closed since the war started, driving up fuel and fertilizer prices. Other shifting goals include protecting Middle Eastern allies, with Trump recently threatening to bomb Oman, and cutting off support for proxy groups like Hezbollah, which has refused to disarm.