All attempts to end the war have so far failed. Although the fighting has not completely ceased, it has alternated between periods of escalation and relative calm. Even so, it is clear that the entire region remains under an unprecedented level of threat.

 

The United States seeks economic control over the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to profit from overseeing maritime traffic. Iran, meanwhile, insists that the strait falls under its sphere of influence and argues that it should receive revenues in exchange for allowing vessels to pass through it. Oman, which also borders the strategic waterway, likewise has legitimate interests in its use.

 

Although the direct military confrontation paused several weeks ago, the conflict itself has not truly ended.

 

Surveillance, military mobilization, intelligence gathering, and preparations for another round of fighting have continued. At the same time, the military conflict has largely been replaced by an intense economic campaign that restricts Iran's ability to receive ships and export oil.

 

This has drawn countries ranging from China and several Arab states to Russia into an increasingly costly geopolitical struggle, which has now once again evolved into military confrontation.

 

This time, however, it may extend beyond limited exchanges of strikes and could push the entire region and its people toward a far darker future.

 

For now, the conflict remains in the phase of military strikes. Yet there is also the possibility that the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could become another focal point.

 

Such a development would be even more dangerous than tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, as it would directly affect additional Arab countries, disrupt traffic through the Suez Canal, and ultimately impact Israel, which would be forced to rely on more expensive alternatives through Mediterranean ports.

 

The war raises two key questions:

 

First, why have all mediation efforts failed? Numerous countries have attempted to mediate between Iran and the United States, yet these initiatives appear to demand concessions from Iran while asking little or nothing of Washington.

 

Second, how long can this combination of military confrontation and economic pressure continue? Will it remain an open-ended conflict with no defined limits despite growing international concern and regional frustration?

 

Behind the public discourse are indications that Washington seeks Iran's complete capitulation, this would entail relinquishing its nuclear program, giving up its influence over the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, foregoing related revenues, and allowing American companies to oversee future reconstruction projects ensuring that the economic benefits remain in U.S. hands.

 

It would also require Iran to abandon all of its regional allies and affiliated fronts. In effect, this would amount to a comprehensive Iranian surrender.

 

Otherwise, the combination of military and economic pressure could continue with the aim of significantly weakening the Iranian system, potentially paving the way for political change at a later stage.

 

The region's most pressing concern is whether it can withstand such dangerous circumstances, Israel has at least for now emerged from the direct confrontation with Iran without coming under attack, while Washington has assumed the leading role.

 

The concern is that the region may not be able to endure prolonged instability.

 

situation could either escalate into a broader war intended to decisively reshape the current landscape or remain unresolved as a means of exerting continued pressure on both Iran and Arab states, The United States has long been viewed as adept at leveraging rivalries and managing conflicts to advance its strategic interests.

 

It would be a mistake to view the situation solely through the lens of the U.S.-Iran rivalry and Israel's role.

 

The region may be approaching a stage where no party can fully control the outcome. If events spiral beyond anyone's control, the consequences could prove even more severe.