9 June 2026

Trump’s Iran War Has No Clean Endgame — and the Likeliest Deal Would Favor Tehran

National Security Journal  |  Robert Farley

U.S. President Donald J. Trump faces an unfavorable endgame in the ongoing conflict with Iran, marked by a shaky ceasefire, double blockades, and limited progress on Iran's nuclear program. The United States is in a weaker position than before the war, with the Strait of Hormuz largely closed and economic impacts mounting.

Iran's military capabilities remain significant, demonstrated by attacks on US Gulf allies. Domestically, war support is low, and President Trump lacks confidence from his own party, while internationally, allies are unsupportive. Iranian negotiators are leveraging Trump's unpopularity and his team's inexperience, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who lack expertise. This undermines US objectives, as any deal is unlikely to address Iran’s ballistic missile, drone, or militia programs, crucial for Israel’s security. The President's limited options suggest a deal will increasingly favor Iran, involving staged easing of blockades and potentially greater Iranian control over the Strait. Such an accord would temporarily end the war but fail to resolve underlying issues, making future conflict probable.

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