Nearly 90 days in and Iran conflict has yielded few benefits, analyst says

Nearly three months after the United States launched its attack on Iran, analyst Trita Parsi says the conflict has yielded few tangible benefits for the United States. Parsi, co-founder and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute, argues Washington has gained little and could reshape regional security and open economic ties only through a negotiated peace. The intervention has claimed 14 American lives and cost billions of dollars while contributing to higher gas prices and everyday expenses for U.S. households. The Trump administration is weighing options, though no decision has been announced.

Parsi adds that judging winners remains unclear: none of the initial objectives have been achieved, while Iran's position has strengthened in several areas. The Iranians did not control the Strait of Hormuz at the war's start, and the United States' demand to revert to pre-war arrangements would have been unnecessary had the conflict not begun. Without a deal, Iran cannot be said to have won outright, even with certain military gains. A potential agreement could open the Iranian economy to U.S. business, but it would likely require concessions on uranium stockpiles and inspections, with Parsi noting that more stockpile removal would help, provided inspections are robust.