Iranian Officials Urge Extending U.S. Conflict to 2029 as Hormuz Stays Shut
Updated
Updated · Salon · Aug 16
Iranian Officials Urge Extending U.S. Conflict to 2029 as Hormuz Stays Shut
3 articles · Updated · Salon · Aug 16
Summary
Majid Shakeri, an adviser linked to Iran’s parliament, and Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi publicly argued that Iran should stretch the confrontation with Washington into the next U.S. presidential term rather than seek a quick deal.
Their case is to manage a state of “neither war nor peace” until Donald Trump leaves office, betting a long conflict will impose enough attrition and political cost to weaken U.S. pressure.
Tehran has already said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless Washington lifts sanctions and its naval blockade, withdraws forces, releases frozen assets and pays reparations.
The strategy assumes high fuel prices and an unpopular war could hurt Republicans in the midterms, while the U.S. also faces strain from depleted weapons stockpiles and a Strategic Petroleum Reserve that fell 6.1 million barrels to under 300 million.