How Trump's Iran operation turned into a forever war

Live updates

1. 33m ago

   US House votes third time to end Iran war as stalemate persists

   The US House of Representatives voted 220-204 on Tuesday to pass a war powers resolution aimed at ending the conflict in Iran. The measure seeks to stop President Donald Trump from conducting military actions without congressional approval. While more Republicans joined Democrats in this third attempt, the resolution is expected to be vetoed by the president. Meanwhile, a stalemate in the Gulf continues to threaten global energy security as opposing forces dig in, prolonging a conflict with no clear exit strategy.

   Why it matters

   The conflict began as an operation to reduce Iranian influence over the Strait of Hormuz. While the US successfully reopened the waterway, the war has expanded geographically and financially. This legislative push reflects growing congressional friction over the duration and cost of the engagement.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Douglas Mason states the Iran war will be long and dangerous.
   • A stalemate in the Gulf threatens global energy security.

   What to watch next

   • President Trump's formal response or veto of the war powers resolution.
   • Congressional attempts to override a potential presidential veto.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.businessday.co.za — DOUGLAS MASON | The Iran war will turn out to be long and dangerous
   2. jen.jiji.com — Who produces Kazakhstan’s oil and where does it go: Market overview
   3. www.yahoo.com — Has Trump Lost the Manosphere? With Alex Bruesewitz
   4. english.aawsat.com — House Votes for a Third Time to End the Iran War as Conflict Drags on
   confidence 90%
2. 21h ago

   US Progresses in Strait of Hormuz Amid Prolonged Iran Conflict

   The United States has successfully reduced Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, though the broader war remains unresolved and costly. While the US has made progress in reopening the critical waterway, analysts describe the conflict as a forever war with no clear path to victory for President Trump. The conflict is expanding geographically, with reports indicating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to involve Israel more deeply in the struggle.

   Why it matters

   The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global chokepoint for oil transit. Control over this region directly impacts global energy security and maritime trade. The current operation began as a specific strategy under the Trump administration but has evolved into a long-term engagement.

   What is confirmed

   • The US has made progress in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
   • The war with Iran is far from over.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Benjamin Netanyahu is eager to pull Israel deeper into the spreading Iran war.
   • President Trump's strategy is to pretend there is no strategy.
   • Trump has no path to victory against Iran.

   What to watch next

   • Evidence of further Israeli military involvement in the conflict
   • Official US policy updates regarding a victory path or exit strategy
   • Changes in the status of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. Council on Foreign Relations — How Will the Iran War End?
   2. AP News — The US has loosened Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz, but the costly war is far from over
   3. PBS — The U.S. has made progress in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but the Iran war is far from over
   4. Inquirer.com — President Trump’s new strategy on the Iran war: Pretending there isn’t one | Editorial
   5. Center for International Policy — Trump Has No Path To Victory Against Iran
   6. Haaretz — Analysis • Trump's Iran war is spreading – and Netanyahu is eager to pull Israel deeper in
   7. Responsible Statecraft — How Trump's Iran operation turned into a forever war
   8. ecfr.eu — Life of the party: Democrats and the search for a post-Trump future
   9. www.businessday.co.za — BIG READ | Twenty-five years in the shadow of 9/11
   confidence 70%