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Trump tehran
Middle East

Why 'D-Day' was destined to be a dud

Trump's new sanctions won't alter the complex political dance between Iran's factions. It will, however, help to coalesce them around one goal: regime survival.

President Donald J. Trump meets with his cabinet at Camp David, Maryland.
Middle East

Why the Trump administration will have to accept a Hormuz toll

It wouldn't be unprecedented, and Gulf countries are already seeking out alternatives to the strait, which means its importance will eventually diminish

People walk next to a symbolic mockup of an Iranian missile and an Iranian flag at Imam Hussein Square in Tehran, Iran, on July 12, 2026.
Middle East

Surprise strikes signal Iran is digging in for a long war

As hopes for a peace deal with the US fade, Tehran appears to be preparing to fight through the end of Trump's presidency

Eisenhower Nasset Suez
Middle East

Will Trump meet his Suez moment & seize Hormuz deal on the table?

Oman and Iran appear close to a temporary arrangement to reopen the Strait — which Washington should welcome if it keeps traffic open and free

Trump oil fields
Global Crises

Trump is playing chicken with America's oil reserves

The US risks depleting its emergency petroleum supplies even as it escalates with Iran

Oman is cozying up to China as US throws Mideast into disarray
Middle East

Oman is cozying up to China as US throws Mideast into disarray

The war in Iran is pushing smaller states to diversify their great power partnerships — if Washington will let them