The war between the United States and Iran, initially expected to last little more than six weeks, has now entered its 10th week, leaving President Donald Trump struggling to find a path toward ending the conflict.

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Despite repeated claims from the White House that negotiations are making progress, the administration faces growing geopolitical and domestic constraints that complicate any clear exit strategy.

Iran’s continued resistance and its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz have prevented Washington from securing a decisive outcome. At the same time, rising political pressure at home is narrowing the president’s room to manoeuvre.

Opinion polls show Trump’s approval rating in the 30s, while US gasoline prices have climbed above $4.50 a gallon. Public opposition to the conflict has also grown, increasing the pressure on the administration to end the war quickly.

Diplomatic push for a deal

Officials are now pursuing a potential agreement aimed at halting the fighting. According to reports, US and Iranian representatives are discussing a one-page memorandum through Pakistani mediators that would formally end hostilities and establish a 30-day period to resolve remaining disputes.

Iran is expected to deliver its response to the proposal to the mediators on Thursday. Some officials involved in the talks say negotiations have come closer to ending the conflict than at any previous point.

However, analysts caution that such a brief document would struggle to resolve the longstanding tensions between Washington and Tehran. These include disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, its ballistic missile capabilities and its support for armed proxy groups across the region.

Tehran is also seeking extensive sanctions relief to revive its economy and wants to benefit financially from the passage of oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has repeatedly suggested in recent weeks that an agreement was imminent, only for talks to stall as negotiations continued.

Short-lived military initiatives

The conflict has also been marked by rapidly changing military strategies.

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that “Operation Epic Fury” — the main US military campaign — had effectively ended. He then promoted another initiative announced hours earlier by Trump known as “Project Freedom”.

The plan aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by escorting vessels through the waterway. But the effort was halted within hours after only a small number of ships were guided to safety.

Trump said the decision to pause the operation was intended to support ongoing peace negotiations. However, the swift launch and suspension of the initiative added to perceptions of uncertainty surrounding US strategy.

Several earlier measures had also failed to produce the decisive result the administration sought. These included a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign targeting Iranian leadership and military facilities, as well as naval blockades of Iranian ports and shipping.

Despite heavy losses among its leadership, Iran’s governing structure — including the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — has remained intact.

Challenges of securing a decisive outcome

Military analysts say the conflict illustrates the difficulties powerful nations can face when confronting smaller states using asymmetric tactics.

US officials argue that Iranian naval and air capabilities have been severely damaged and that military infrastructure has been significantly weakened. However, the administration has avoided deploying large numbers of ground troops — a decision seen as limiting the prospects for a clear battlefield victory.

Meanwhile, Iran’s use of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage has affected global energy markets and added economic pressure on the United States and its allies.

Experts say the gap between American military capabilities and the ability to achieve a lasting strategic result remains significant.

There has been no widespread uprising inside Iran, and Tehran has not agreed to abandon its nuclear ambitions or dismantle its regional networks of allied groups.

With the strait still closed and oil prices elevated, diplomats and analysts say the conflict remains unresolved despite ongoing negotiations.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 May 2026

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Does he think that the Iranian terrorist regime will just resign and hand over their enriched uranium?

Don is only worried about the stock market not the fact that the terrorists will vaporize all infidels eventually.

Trump has never entered a win/win negotiation. Unless its all his way he will never settle any deal with anyone, just look at his history. The true motivationd of a person driven by greed and his ego. The Iranians have already stated the do not want to deal with Witcoff and Kushner as they cannot and do not handle the truth.The USA will have to change its approach to these negotiations if they want to reach a settlement. Time the House and Senate took over. Iranians kept their party of the agreement but Trump hates anything done by Obama as it shows he is a lot more competent than Trump will ever be. Trump broke the agreement and now blames the Iranians and others and wants to settle on his terms. It will not happen!

This happens when one vomits anything out of his head through his mouth without having it checked with competent people. USA is on course for the most humiliating situation in its history making other failed misadventures abroad insignificant.

....and what is his strategy, please ❓

Can't see any.

What was the last war America won? Maybe they can claim part of WW2 when they arrived with the enemy on the back foot but none since then! Maybe their military is only great on paper and only when it fights similar people to themselves.

The war between Iran and US/Israel is now a "war of attrition" and which side has higher pain threshold. I wouldn't bet against Iran to absorb pain for a longer period under a much radical cohesive leadership. Meanwhile, US is under immense political and economic pressure and a floundering leadership. War time leader need steadiness, resilence, persuasion and patience. It is another level of Presidential leadership which Trump has none of these attributes. Saying that he is cornered by his Iran war strategy is giving him too much credit for going into war on the behest of Netanyahu.

2 hours ago, Brettoj said:

What was the last war America won? Maybe they can claim part of WW2 when they arrived with the enemy on the back foot but none since then! Maybe their military is only great on paper and only when it fights similar people to themselves.

Maybe the Spanish/American war?

WW2 could not have been won without the UK (nearly bankrupt) holding the reins for 2 years, along with Stalin's resistance at the Battle of Stalingrad in February 1942. And of course the Japanese nudged the Americans into battle in December 1941.

12 minutes ago, Leopold Bloom said:

Maybe the Spanish/American war?

WW2 could not have been won without the UK (nearly bankrupt) holding the reins for 2 years, along with Stalin's resistance at the Battle of Stalingrad in February 1942. And of course the Japanese nudged the Americans into battle in December 1941.

Would not call stalin Battle of Stalingrad "resistance" with 1.5 million russian dead

4 hours ago, koolkarl said:

Does he think that the Iranian terrorist regime will just resign and hand over their enriched uranium?

Yes.

Analyze this latest comment from President Trump, and think about what means to them.

If the Iranians continue their behavior, Trump said, "You're just going to have to look at one big glow coming out of Iran, and they better sign their agreement fast."





https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/international-relations/trump-says-world-will-see-one-big-glow-from-iran-if-deal-not-reached/ar-AA22Eu6J

2 hours ago, Brettoj said:

What was the last war America won? Maybe they can claim part of WW2 when they arrived with the enemy on the back foot but none since then! Maybe their military is only great on paper and only when it fights similar people to themselves.

Winning wars has been a long time American problem:

LOSERS
FDR - WW2 - Should have let Patton go on to Moscow
Truman - Korean War - Should have let MacArthur go into China
LBJ - Vietnam War - Not only lost the war, but bankrupted the US and forced it off the gold standard
George Bush the First - Iraq War 1 - Should have let Powell go on to Baghdad. Also should have fired Powell.
George Bush the Second - Iraq War 2 - A nightmare with Rumsfeld, Cheney and the generals. I don't wish to think about it further.
George Bush the Second, Barack Obama, Joe Biden - the Afghanistan War. Lost the war, humiliating ending.

WINNERS
George Washington, Abraham Lincoln (harsh on civilians) and Ronald Reagan.

I think Trump has learned from the losers, and the winners, and so far is conducting this war with Iran in a completely different manner.

inside his little brain he knows he has lost and he's corned, the only way out is to make the "bad" deal regardless that he keeps repeating "inside his head only" we won of the first day of the war, let him think that way but the reality it's the opposite, they keep shooting at each other's but he keeps saying the cease fire is holding, if that's the case why firing at each other

Despite the exchange of fire, Trump said the ceasefire was still holding, but threatened further action if Tehran does not sign a deal.

US and Iran exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz, Trump says ceasefire holds

https://www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/top-stories/iran-fires-at-enemy-units-in-strait-of-hormuz-state-run-media-claim/ar-AA22DgFP?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=LCTS&cvid=69fd47cd5d3d41e6a6649dcb0daa0839&ei=22

13 minutes ago, davb said:

Yes.

Analyze this latest comment from President Trump, and think about what means to them.

If the Iranians continue their behavior, Trump said, "You're just going to have to look at one big glow coming out of Iran, and they better sign their agreement fast."





https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/international-relations/trump-says-world-will-see-one-big-glow-from-iran-if-deal-not-reached/ar-AA22Eu6J

Trump is much like Hitler with less intelligence.

Hitler used similar words in his Reichstag speech in 1940 to Great Britain to surrender and if the offer was rejected, he will destroy the British Empire and razed their cities.

59 minutes ago, Leopold Bloom said:

Maybe the Spanish/American war?

WW2 could not have been won without the UK (nearly bankrupt) holding the reins for 2 years, along with Stalin's resistance at the Battle of Stalingrad in February 1942. And of course the Japanese nudged the Americans into battle in December 1941.

Not only did the "Japanese nudged the Americans into battle in December 1941" but the USA would probably NOT have entered the war in Europe if Germany and Italy had not decaled war on the USA on 11 dec 1941!

Edited May 8May 8 by scottiejohn

1 hour ago, davb said:

Yes.

Analyze this latest comment from President Trump, and think about what means to them.

If the Iranians continue their behavior, Trump said, "You're just going to have to look at one big glow coming out of Iran, and they better sign their agreement fast."





https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/international-relations/trump-says-world-will-see-one-big-glow-from-iran-if-deal-not-reached/ar-AA22Eu6J

Would not be surprised if trump does nuke iran !! trump is obsessed with nuclear bombs this madman will start WW3 because once 1 goes off it will be a free for all Putin, israel NK

4 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

....and what is his strategy, please ❓

Can't see any.

He had none going in. He had no middle game. And he certainly has no endgame. And, as in most 'fights,' if you just swing wildly, you aren't going to get very far unless you are lucky. The proof of this is currently underway.
And just like the pigeon on the chessboard, now he's claiming the win, despite the whole world losing because of his actions. What a guy...

8 hours ago, koolkarl said:

not the fact that the terrorists will vaporize all infidels eventually.

Are you referring to Israeli's?

He got the big head after Venezuela. He thinks he is the smartest man in the world. And is surrounded by "yes" men and his ego has gone ballistic.

9 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

....and what is his strategy, please ❓

Can't see any.

Announce tariffs on most every product and country in the world then change them hourly,daily ,weekly.  Alert your billionaire buddies and allow them to make billions more with insider trading and watch your personal and family net worth more than triple in one year.

Threaten to take over Canada Greenland Cuba and whatever pops into his head next.  Destroy relationships with allies worldwide and announce USA needs no allies no trading partners.  Try to destroy and shutdown NATO. Eliminate practically all regulations designed to protect/improve the climate as long as corporations show proper appreciation.   Alert billionaire buddies of next announcement that will move markets so they can make more billions.

Threaten Ukraine leader and suck up to Russia.  Support dictators in Hungary and suck up to Saudis and Middle Eastern dictators and convince them to give you free airplane and billions of dollars to your son in law as well as buying billions of your fake crypto crap.

 Invade Venezuela arrest leader. Announce that USA will "take" their oil. Attack small boats in international waters thousands of miles from USA by accusing them of bringing drugs into USA.  Post videos of exploding boats.  Then quickly change subject as the world calls for war crimes charges.

Bomb Iran and claim total complete obliteration of nuclear weapons.  Wait one year and unleash more bombs to destroy the nuclear weapons that were completely obliterated a year before.  Suck up to Israel and allow Bibi to play you like a fool.

Announce total war victory then change it to excursion.  Come up with name after name for the war and announce that Iran has no cards and USA has totally destroyed their weapons and USA controls Straits of Hormuz (being sure to share insider announcements to billionaire buddies to manipulate markets and make billions more $)

Create band of masked roving thugs called ICE to attempt to terrorize and murder people across the USA. Fund them with billions but refuse to pay TSA agents creating chaos at airports nationwide.

 Pardon all the Jan 6 thugs including those who beat cops and screamed for your vp to be hung. Sell pardons to drug lords and every type of convicted scammers and fraudsters as long as they donate appropriate $ to you. Give the billionaire class big tax cuts, gut health care, food for poor, and gut the white house in dark of night to  build big golden ballrooms that won't cost taxpayers a dime and then demand one billion taxpayers $ to pay for it.

Keep beating the same ole drum that 2020 election was rigged with zero credible evidence and then threaten to redraw maps and even cancel midterm elections even though you won the last election (which apparently was not rigged).  File absurd law suits after law suit to attempt to take over media and attack anyone who dares confront you and demand they be fired  Ignore ,appeal, and delay court orders. Ignore the constitution, insult media who dare ask you questions calling them piggy and worse.

Instruct your clown car of cabinet members to refuse to answer the most basic simple questions in congressional testimony.  Rule one:  Never ever admit that the emperor has no clothes.

Continue to blame and attack Obama who has not been potus for over 10 years as well as Biden for any and all problems even though you have been potus for 5 of the last 9 years and repubs control congress and the supreme court. Direct the DOJ to attempt to arrest and convict all sorts of "enemies" for imagined crimes like posting a pic of some sea shells.

Above is just a sample of the bad news. It would take dozens or hundreds of pages to list all of the BS.

  But the "good news" is so far he has managed to keep perhaps the most damning of the epstein files and videos and pics secret in direct defiance of a law that you yourself signed.  Refuse to even speak with epstein victims and call it all a big hoax.  Make sure your "friends" don't get hurt.

All the while increasing your net worth almost triple in one year plus direct more billions into your family and friends coffers.  Mission accomplished.

5 hours ago, scottiejohn said:

but the USA would probably NOT have entered the war in Europe if Germany and Italy had not declared war on the USA on 11 dec 1941!

....which would have spared 250,000 US military lives, from a situation that was Europe's problem, not ours. We had been duped to enter WWI, and the majority of Americans had said "not again." But, yeah, the Axis had declared war on us -- and I guess honor, but not necessity, forced our hand.

But what if we hadn't entered the war? Germany and the UK would probably have signed a peace treaty. The Germans would have contained Russia and Communism. The French would be speaking German. And post-Hitler would most likely have returned Germany to the civilized world, at least to some nearly acceptable degree. Anyhow, it's interesting to contemplate WWII without US involvement -- no subsequent Cold War -- and a Europe with a Teutonic efficiency. Sounds OK to me.....

1 hour ago, JimGant said:

....which would have spared 250,000 US military lives, from a situation that was Europe's problem, not ours. We had been duped to enter WWI, and the majority of Americans had said "not again." But, yeah, the Axis had declared war on us -- and I guess honor, but not necessity, forced our hand.

But what if we hadn't entered the war? Germany and the UK would probably have signed a peace treaty. The Germans would have contained Russia and Communism. The French would be speaking German. And post-Hitler would most likely have returned Germany to the civilized world, at least to some nearly acceptable degree. Anyhow, it's interesting to contemplate WWII without US involvement -- no subsequent Cold War -- and a Europe with a Teutonic efficiency. Sounds OK to me.....

All hypothetical nonsense !!!

Key Potential Outcomes:

• Europe: The Soviet Union would have borne the brunt of the fighting against Nazi Germany. While Soviet victory was likely, it would have been slower and more costly without US Lend-Lease supplies and the Western Front opening at Normandy. Germany might have been defeated but could have occupied more territory, or the war could have ended with a tense, smaller-scale ceasefire.

• Pacific Theater: Japan likely would have remained undefeated, creating a massive Pacific empire and securing resources across Southeast Asia, effectively making them the dominant superpower in Asia, as Britain alone could not hold them back.

• Britain: Without US Lend-Lease aid, Britain likely would have faced starvation, economic collapse, and severe shortages, making it difficult to maintain the war effort alone, leading to potential negotiations with Germany,

But this is way off topic and All assumption

Edited May 8May 8 by MikeandDow

15 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Are you referring to Israeli's?

Ridiculous. Read the koran.

23 hours ago, JimGant said:

....which would have spared 250,000 US military lives, from a situation that was Europe's problem, not ours.

Wow, so far seven 'thumbs down.' I imagine mostly from Europeans, who are perfectly happy to have had 250k Yank dead in WWII, added to 110k Yank dead in WWI -- for wars my ancestors left the Old World to avoid. The majority isolationists really were correct.....

Japan was a different situation -- they attacked us, so of course we had to respond. But even here, if we weren't also involved in Europe, we could have committed all our resources to the Pacific, and thus have ended that war sooner -- probably without the Bomb.

Anyway, interesting to contemplate the European war without US involvement......

13 minutes ago, JimGant said:

Wow, so far seven 'thumbs down.' I imagine mostly from Europeans, who are perfectly happy to have had 250k Yank dead in WWII, added to 110k Yank dead in WWI -- for wars my ancestors left the Old World to avoid. The majority isolationists really were correct.....

Japan was a different situation -- they attacked us, so of course we had to respond. But even here, if we weren't also involved in Europe, we could have committed all our resources to the Pacific, and thus have ended that war sooner -- probably without the Bomb.

Anyway, interesting to contemplate the European war without US involvement......

You shouldn't have brought the European mentality to the US then. While Europe has stopped waging wars, the US is starting one after the other.

17 minutes ago, stevenl said:

While Europe has stopped waging wars

They kinda still seem hellbent on a war with Russia ?

On 5/7/2026 at 9:24 PM, koolkarl said:

Does he think that the Iranian terrorist regime will just resign and hand over their enriched uranium?

Don is only worried about the stock market not the fact that the terrorists will vaporize all infidels eventually.

Don is not worried about the stock market...he is lining his own and uber wealthy friends with insider tips that allow them to make massive amounts of $$ in a matter of minutes. They of course are then in "debt" to trump for their big tax cuts as well as info that allows them to manipulate markets worldwide. Big oil is loving every minute of the Iran "excursion" with record profits everytime trump lets the bombs fly. And conveniently trump has pretty much dismantled the SEC and DOJ investigations and DOJ into insider trading and even if they do file charges and convict a few then trump will sell them a pardon in return for "contributions" to the trump family. The old adage follow the money explains a lot of trumps total Bat <deleted> crazy wars.

24 minutes ago, pomchop said:

Don is not worried about the stock market...he is lining his own and uber wealthy friends with insider tips that allow them to make massive amounts of $$ in a matter of minutes. They of course are then in "debt" to trump for their big tax cuts as well as info that allows them to manipulate markets worldwide. Big oil is loving every minute of the Iran "excursion" with record profits everytime trump lets the bombs fly. And conveniently trump has pretty much dismantled the SEC and DOJ investigations and DOJ into insider trading and even if they do file charges and convict a few then trump will sell them a pardon in return for "contributions" to the trump family. The old adage follow the money explains a lot of trumps total Bat <deleted> crazy wars.

Why don't you just say it Trump and his friends are Totally corrupt

The joke is on the author of the article: there was/is no strategy.

On 5/8/2026 at 12:52 PM, MikeandDow said:

Would not call stalin Battle of Stalingrad "resistance" with 1.5 million russian dead

Do you mean the Russians were killed without offering resistance ?

3 minutes ago, ericbj said:

Do you mean the Russians were killed without offering resistance ?

IT was a massive turning point in World War II