The pace of military operations in the Middle East continues to escalate, with rocket attacks continuing, one of which lasted three hours yesterday, amid mutual strikes between the warring parties and fears of a wider conflict in the region.
The continuation of the Iranian strikes seems to be a message reflecting the direction of Iran's new policy, while the bombing campaign between the US and Israel seems to have no clear end after the initial impact of the strike has worn off.
It is clear that Tel Aviv is banking on its efforts to maintain American support in the hope of imposing a new reality on the Middle East region, since what Israel fears most is the withdrawal of the United States from the fight, especially since Tel Aviv relies heavily on of this American support in carrying out its larger project, based on reshaping the balance of power in the entire region, and not just targeting Iran.
While the American predicament seems clear in the absence of a decisive position and the escalation of international and regional criticism, which puts the Trump administration under intense pressure, Washington finds itself facing a complex equation - between its desire to continue supporting Israel and Trump's continued threats to escalate operations of “epic wrath” in Iran, on the one hand, and international pressure and even growing opposition in the United States, calling for a de-escalation and accusing the man in the White House of having no exit strategy from the Islamic Republic, on the other, in addition to the military bills and political appeals that put Trump before a difficult choice on how to end a war that was not an American war from the start and without being based on international law.
In this context, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly said that the US administration does not have a clear exit strategy from Iran, noting that the war does not seem to be ending soon, given the contradictory statements between President Donald Trump and his Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the progress of military operations.
Kelly told reporters on Capitol Hill that the lack of a strategic goal, a timeframe and pre-established plans shows that the administration does not have an exit strategy from Iran, which raises questions about the future of US involvement in this protracted conflict, which is beginning to affect the economic and political stability.
• Advisers push him to implement an exit strategy from Iran
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that the US president's advisers are urging him to personally find an exit strategy from Iran, fearing a violent political backlash as a result of oil prices exceeding $100 a barrel.
While Trump insists that the military operation “Epic Fury“ has achieved its goals and will end very soon, informed officials fear that support from his conservative base will decline as the war continues.
Reports indicate that according to Trump's polls, most Americans oppose the war, increasing Republican concerns about the midterm elections.
While White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt has touted the success of “Operation Fury“, Stephen Moore, Trump's outside economic adviser, argues that rising gas and oil prices pose real challenges that necessitate a withdrawal plan.
• Obstacles to Developing an Exit Strategy from Iran
One of the main obstacles is Tehran’s continued targeting of countries in the region, combined with Israel’s willingness to continue attacking Iranian targets, making implementing an exit strategy from Iran difficult.
Trump has expressed his disappointment with the election of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader, hinting at the possibility of supporting his assassination if he does not comply with American demands, which distances the conflict from a quick end.
To date, the United States has bombed thousands of Iranian targets to destroy their nuclear and missile programs, while Tehran has retaliated by targeting American bases, international airports and oil refineries.
CENTCOM reported that seven American service members have been killed since the fighting began on February 28, while more than 36,000 Americans have returned from the region, increasing public pressure to end the conflict and achieve a satisfactory victory that would pave the way for a U.S. withdrawal.
• Economic measures and their impact on the Iran exit strategy
Trump announced the United States' intention to lift oil sanctions on some countries and provide risk insurance for oil tankers to reduce prices, while the US Navy and its allies will continue to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz "when necessary".
With these moves, the Trump team aims to ease economic pressure on American consumers while developing a comprehensive strategy for an exit from Iran that ensures lasting peace.
In a related context, investigations are still ongoing into the Tomahawk missile attack that killed 175 people at a school in Iran. Trump reiterated his willingness to accept the results of the investigation to determine responsibility, amid reports suggesting that US forces were responsible for the incident. This adds legal and moral complications that could affect the speed of achieving an internationally acceptable withdrawal strategy from Iran.