Economic Pressure Mounts as Iran Conflict Enters Sixth Month

Washington is six months into its conflict with Iran, and there's still no clear end in sight. The US and Israel launched air strikes against Iran, causing significant damage to its military capabilities. However, Tehran retains leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of the world's oil and other vital commodities.

Experts say the next phase will be shaped by four key issues: how long Iran can withstand economic pressure, whether diplomacy can turn military gains into a durable settlement, what happens to the Strait of Hormuz, and whether Russia and China help Tehran rebuild.

Retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward believes time is running out for Iran. 'Time is their biggest problem,' he said. Sustained economic pressure could eventually become an internal threat to the Iranian government, particularly if it struggles to pay its military and state institutions or faces shortages of fuel and other essentials.

Elaine Dezenski from the Center on Economic and Financial Power notes that China's economic relationship with Iran is significant but not an alliance in the traditional sense. About 80 percent of Iran's exported oil goes to China, but Iranian oil accounts for only about 12 to 13 percent of China's crude imports.

Bowman from the Center on Military and Political Power argues that a sustainable political transformation in Iran would require decisive action by Iranians themselves. Washington does not have the will or resources to send thousands of troops into Iran, he said.