As long as Trump is the decision-maker, Iran cannot be defeated.

Reestablishing the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting Iran's exports, although it is considered an important achievement for America, it does not mean success in the war.

After spending tens of billions of dollars, killing American troops, consuming a significant portion of its interceptor missile stockpile, and imposing heavy energy costs, Washington is now trying to restore conditions to pre-war conditions.

The main goal of the war is still unclear: is Washington seeking to change Iran's behavior or to change the regime? On the one hand, America talks about the "end of the regime" and on the other hand, calls Tehran to negotiate to change its policies. This contradiction motivates Iran to resist, impose costs and wait for the erosion of America's power and will.

The experience of Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq has shown that military superiority alone does not lead to a stable political outcome. Therefore, the Trump administration must decide between two paths.

If the goal is to change Iran's policy, set specific and achievable conditions for negotiation; And if the goal is regime change, prepare yourself for a bloodier war and wider regional consequences. Until then, Washington will remain mired in its new Middle East quagmire.