U.S. War Against Iran Stalls as Resources Deplete and Strategic Gains Remain Elusive

Since the “Midnight Hammer” bombing raid in June 2025, the United States has maintained an intensive air-and-naval campaign against Iran. Over the ensuing six-month war, U.S. forces have struck more than 15,000 Iranian targets, including missile sites, ships, and aircraft. Despite the volume of attacks, the campaign has not achieved a clear strategic objective; Iran continues to control the Strait of Hormuz and to launch attacks on U.S. bases throughout the Middle East.

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The war began after President Donald Trump repeatedly warned that any Iranian attempt to extract enriched uranium would be met with renewed bombing. Trump’s rhetoric emphasizes the “obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear program and the destruction of its military assets, claims the commentary describes as misleading because the nuclear facilities were already compromised by the 2025 raid and Iran’s forces remain operational.

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• Targets hit: >15,000 Iranian sites.

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• Leadership losses: The barrage eliminated Iran’s top political and spiritual leaders, according to the analysis.

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• U.S. munitions depletion: More than half of the United States’ cruise missiles and high-tech air-defense weapons were expended during the campaign.

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• Naval assets: The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was rotated out after Iranian missile attacks on the supply hub in Bahrain; the USS George Washington assumed its role, leaving the Pacific Fleet with a single carrier.

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The sustained pressure has not weakened Iran’s ability to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, nor has it forced Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions—U.S. intelligence agencies currently assess no imminent nuclear threat. The campaign’s high cost has strained U.S. military readiness and prompted allies to reconsider supply-chain and security arrangements, fearing that a weakened U.S. presence could embolden regional adversaries. Additionally, China’s continued support for Iran is highlighted as a factor that limits the effectiveness of U.S. economic sanctions.

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