Overview
- The New York Times editorial board said the war risks a strategic defeat by giving Iran sway over the Strait of Hormuz, draining US munitions, straining alliances, and eroding US moral authority.
- President Trump rejected the critique, called the paper “fake news,” said Iran was “totally obliterated,” and claimed the US has begun a naval blockade while warning off Iranian warships.
- Iran continues to limit traffic through the Strait of Hormuz despite a two‑week truce and has threatened tolls on passage through a chokepoint that carries about one‑fifth of seaborne oil and gas.
- Pentagon analysts, cited in coverage of the editorial, estimate the campaign used more than a quarter of US Tomahawk missiles and forced withdrawals of some missile defenses from places such as South Korea.
- Ceasefire talks ended without a deal, leaving the short truce in doubt and extending risks for people in the region after at least 13 US service members were killed.