A week after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran, instability has spread across the Middle East. Despite the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and heavy attacks on Iranian forces, the conflict has escalated into a regional war. President Donald Trump now faces growing challenges in turning military gains into a clear geopolitical victory, with analysts warning of prolonged U.S. involvement.

Experts describe the campaign, named Operation Epic Fury, as the largest U.S. military action since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Trump’s administration says its goals are to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and prevent nuclear weapons development, but critics note the lack of a defined endgame. Rising oil prices due to halted tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and growing voter opposition ahead of midterm elections have added pressure. Some Gulf allies and U.S. strategists have also questioned the political wisdom of the war.

Analysts warn that the economic shock and regional backlash could undermine U.S. influence and Trump’s domestic standing if the conflict continues without a clear resolution.