U.S.-Iran conflict remains a stalemate after six months

Six months into the U.S.-Iran conflict, neither side has achieved a clear victory, with analysts describing the war as an unconventional stalemate. Washington struggles to convert military superiority into political gains, while Tehran may only need to survive to claim success. The U.S. has imposed new sanctions targeting Iran's aviation, shipping, and tech sectors, while Iran blocks Strait of Hormuz shipping and conducts cyberattacks. Mediation efforts by Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt have stalled, with at least 18 U.S. personnel and 3,375 Iranian civilians killed. The war has disrupted global energy markets, raised oil prices, and fueled inflation. Polls show Americans oppose the conflict, damaging President Trump's popularity, while Iranian civilian deaths have eroded trust in U.S. leadership.