Former national security adviser and strategic analyst Mark Feifel stated that Iran and the United States remain in the same positions where their negotiations began, with neither side shifting its stance. According to Feifel, Iran seeks the removal of all sanctions and blockades, along with an end to U.S. and Israeli military operations. In contrast, Donald Trump demands that Iran abandon enriched uranium, halt its ballistic missile program, and stop funding regional allied groups.

Feifel believes it is unlikely that Trump will initiate another major war against Iran, citing the recent declaration by Trump and his secretary of state that “Operation Epic Fury” has ended. Symbolically, this announcement removes the immediate prospect of a large-scale military campaign. Instead, Feifel expects Trump to intensify economic pressure, possibly through naval blockades and limited military actions near the Strait of Hormuz targeting Iranian speedboats, drone launch pads, and missile sites.

He added that Trump might tighten sanctions further or seek to involve European and Asian navies in protecting shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, though his available strategic options now appear limited.