Is Iran pursuing a long-term attrition strategy against the United States instead of seeking a quick military victory? Analysts suggest Tehran may be leveraging asymmetric tactics, economic pressure, and control over the Strait of Hormuz to gradually increase costs for U.S. forces and its regional allies. From maritime disruption to pressure on Gulf states, Iran’s approach appears focused on endurance rather than direct confrontation. As history shows in conflicts like Vietnam and Iraq, prolonged wars can shift the balance of power over time, raising critical questions about whether the U.S. could face a similar strategic challenge in the Middle East.
