The Trump administration’s war goals in Iran have shifted over six months, with Washington now emphasizing reopening the Strait of Hormuz and economic pressure after earlier strikes and a June memorandum of understanding stalled. Trump also says the war has been won and has claimed U.S. tactical success in degrading Iran’s military capabilities, though key objectives remain unresolved. The article says the original aim to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon has not been fully settled, and other goals have changed or faded.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he hosts a back-to-school-themed event to highlight his administration's education policies, in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, Aug. 24. Reuters-Yonhap
WASHINGTON — When U.S. President Donald Trump launched the war with Iran in late February, he initially forecast it would last four to five weeks. Six months later, there's still no off-ramp in sight despite Trump's repeated assertions that the war has been won or a deal to resolve it was nearly complete.
A June memorandum of understanding designed to pave the way to end the war has fallen by the wayside. U.S. stockpiles of key weapons have diminished and the Trump administration has pivoted to pressuring Iran economically rather than launching more strikes.
