Friday, July 24, 2026 {HMC} – The Atlantic has published an assessment arguing that the United States failed to achieve its objectives in the war with Iran and has run out of viable paths to victory.
According to the report, Washington did not accomplish its key political goals, and the time has come to focus on containing the consequences of the conflict rather than continuing its current strategy.
The assessment states that the U.S. failed to secure the political gains it sought, while the Strait of Hormuz became effectively closed, the security situation around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait deteriorated, and America’s ability to protect its regional allies and commercial shipping from Iranian attacks weakened.
It also says that last year’s strikes only delayed Iran’s nuclear program for a limited period.
Despite the use of advanced U.S. weaponry, Iranian missiles and drones reportedly continued targeting military bases. The U.S. Department of Defense said the cost of the war had reached $37.5 billion.
The report argues that the best way to contain the crisis is to end the fighting, pursue an agreement with Iran or establish a more effective deterrence framework, while strengthening defenses against drones and reorganizing the U.S. military presence in the region.
It further suggests that expanding Saudi Arabia’s and the UAE’s oil pipeline capacity, along with developing alternative export routes through Yemen, Oman, and Syria, could reduce global energy markets’ dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
