Six months into Iran war, we ask experts how it could end
Six months into a conflict between the US and Iran, the US is shifting from military action to an 'economic onslaught' through sanctions. Experts describe the situation as a stalemate with bleak prospects for a near-term negotiated peace.
Why it matters
The shift in strategy signals a prolonged geopolitical conflict that could have significant impacts on global economic stability and international relations.
Donald Trump hopes new sanctions could force Iran to the negotiating table. ( Reuters: Evan Vucci )
Link copied Share Share article Shortly after declaring war on Iran six months ago, US President Donald Trump said the operation would take four weeks or less.
"We took a little excursion … to get rid of some evil. I think you'll see it's going to be a short-term excursion," he said in an interview days after launching Operation Epic Fury.
Half a year and a failed ceasefire later, experts and former US government officials say both sides are locked in a stalemate, with prospects for peace "bleak".
The US announced a shift in strategy this week, from a military onslaught to an economic one. Rather than bombing Iran, the White House announced an "economic D-Day" where it would sanction countries that do business with Iran instead.
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