Iran's strategy has left the United States at a loss
After more than half a month of conflict, the situation has become increasingly clear.
Iran did not seek a quick victory; it is engaged in a "cost war," using the cheapest means to force the United States to spend the most expensive money.
A drone costs tens of thousands of dollars, while the interceptors used by the U.S. military cost millions of dollars. If you intercept, you lose money; if you don’t intercept, it really explodes.
With Hormuz closed, oil prices have broken $100, causing global tremors. Gasoline prices in the U.S. have risen by 26%, increasing pressure ahead of the midterm elections.
Allies are also starting to hide. The escort alliance cannot be formed; Saudi Arabia and the UAE are purchasing Russian-made S-400s, and several European countries have directly stated they will not participate.
On Iran's side, they are fighting while keeping avenues for negotiation open. The foreign minister's conditions are very simple: guarantee no further aggression in the future. The implication is: I do not demand your surrender, but you must give up the military option.
Here are some personal views:
1. This is not a military battle, but a battle of accounts.
Whoever cannot withstand the economic and political costs will retreat first.
2. The predicament of the United States is self-created.
Wanting a quick victory, they did not achieve it. Wanting to withdraw, Iran does not allow it. Wanting to pull allies, no one is joining.
3. Iran is fighting with clarity.
The goal is not to win, but to make you not want to fight anymore.
I believe Iran's new combat strategy has made the United States very headache; as the war reaches this point, victory or defeat is not on the battlefield but in the accounts.