Iran war: is the US running out of steam?
The US is apparently now relying on economic pressure rather than military action to force Iran to make concessions. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital connection for the global economy, remains blocked. US Vice-President JD Vance has said that lowering oil prices is now the main objective in the war with Iran. Commentators discuss the US's weakened position.
Vacuum is being filled
Athens Voice outlines the consequences of the US's weakness:
“The key players in the Middle East have become convinced of the US's diplomatic and military shortcomings, at least in terms of the operational effectiveness and the strategic decisions of the American military apparatus. This sense of insecurity, coupled with the realisation that the US military is not particularly effective – or at least hasn't been able to demonstrate its effectiveness – has forced the medium-sized powers in the Middle East to turn to alternative solutions for regional security.”
Europe reacting too late again
The shifting balance of power also poses a challenge for Europe, argues Népszava:
“A new order is emerging in the Middle East in which the US remains a major power but all paths no longer lead through Washington. Trump is getting exactly what he has long been demanding: the allies are taking on more responsibility. But this also means that their sphere of influence increases. And Europe is once again reacting too late, even though the changes in the region have a direct impact on energy prices, trade, migration and the continent's security.”
The West as a whole is weakened
The US' high-tech weapons arsenals are depleted and it will take time to replenish them, Berlingske points out:
“Europe must once again face up to the fact that massive rearmament is easier said than done. Europe is the world's largest importer of weapons, and almost half of them come from the US. Several countries are now experiencing delays due to the US's own urgent needs. The war in Iran has thus shown that even a military superpower like the US does not have unlimited resources. This is not just a problem for the United States, but for the West as a whole.”