Iran war ends in costly stalemate after six months

Six months after U.S. and Israeli forces attacked Iran, the war has reached a costly stalemate, with the Iranian government under economic siege but still holding power. A U.S. threat of crippling new sanctions faces Tehran's bet that Washington won't aggressively enforce them. Washington's latest measures, announced Monday, shift the conflict to Iran's oil revenues, banks and trading partners, with a naval blockade restricting exports. Critics question the strategy's effectiveness, noting Iran has endured past "maximum pressure" campaigns without altering its behavior. Iranian officials dismiss the strategy as a failed replay, while Iran's biggest threat may be domestic unrest from 66% inflation. Gulf states fear an outcome enabling Iran to declare victory, creating a dangerous impasse over the Strait of Hormuz.