Returning from a peaceful holiday is never easy, especially when the real world is so far from peaceful. The first headline greeting me was the U.S. and Iran exchanging fire for the first time in a month. An end to the war that began six months ago remains as elusive as ever.
Readers submitted many questions about the Iran war. Below are several of the most frequently asked questions, with answers from our correspondents.
Your questions about the Iran war, answered
How might President Trump respond if he loses the November election? Could the situation spiral out of control? — Flavio Nardini, Italy
David Sanger, who covers the White House and national security, writes:
It is difficult to predict how far President Trump will go in the Iran conflict; his style thrives on unpredictability. Recent signals, however, suggest that a full‑scale military escalation is unlikely in the near term. The earlier campaign did not yield the desired outcomes, prompting a return to economic sanctions. Yet a triggering event—such as an Iranian attack that kills Americans or a major cyber assault on U.S. infrastructure—could shift the calculus. The United States also appears committed to maintaining a sizable military footprint in the region for the foreseeable future. Moreover, if Democrats gain control of one or both houses of Congress, investigations into the war’s conduct could begin immediately.
To what extent has the war bolstered the Iranian regime and weakened its opposition? — Bernd Weber, Germany
Yeganeh Torbati, who covers Iran, writes:
Historically, the Iranian leadership tends to consolidate when faced with an external foe. This year’s wave of executions of protesters has been justified by the authorities as targeting those aiding Iran’s enemies. At the same time, the government has used lethal force against peaceful demonstrations even in the absence of external threats. In my view, the existence—or threat—of war provides a convenient pretext for repression that the regime would otherwise pursue.
How has the war affected U.S. power, presidential credibility, and deterrence of rival powers? — Pia Bungarten, Germany
Steven Erlanger, who covers global diplomacy, writes:
The conflict has fallen short of key American and Israeli objectives. The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, and there has been no progress on curbing Iran’s nuclear program, let alone its missile and drone capabilities. The United States has also failed to protect its own bases and regional allies. As a result, American credibility has taken a significant hit. While the U.S. military remains unmatched, its power has not translated into strategic success. Moreover, the United States now faces a shortfall in critical defense munitions for itself and its treaty allies, a gap that will take years to fill. Rival powers such as Russia and China are watching closely.
Could an international body manage the Strait of Hormuz instead of Iran or Oman? — S. Jayakumar, India
Neil MacFarquhar, who recently wrote about the waterway dispute, writes:
Iran has declared that its national security now hinges on controlling the Strait of Hormuz. The United States opposes this, but a large‑scale military operation to reopen the strait without Iran’s consent would likely cause heavy American casualties and is therefore considered unfeasible. A proposal inspired by other global arrangements calls for the eight littoral states of the Persian Gulf to form a consortium that would oversee operations. The consortium could levy an environmental maintenance fee on passing vessels—technically not a toll, thus complying with international law. Iranian state media have shown interest in the idea, while the potential reaction from the Trump administration remains uncertain.
What international support exists for the crews of ships stranded around the Strait of Hormuz? — Jeff Bondett, Canada
Jenny Gross, who covers trade and logistics, writes:
According to the United Nations, the welfare of roughly 6,000 sailors still stranded in the Persian Gulf is primarily the responsibility of the shipping companies that employ them. The situation varies widely. Some firms provide adequate food and rotate crews to reduce exposure to danger, while others leave sailors on rice and lentils and go months without paying wages. International groups such as the International Transport Workers’ Federation and Stella Maris, the Catholic Church’s maritime charity, work with companies to improve conditions, but their influence is limited. Crew members on sanctioned vessels often operate outside normal maritime regulations, and evacuation requires cooperation from nearby immigration authorities. Short‑term contract workers may fear blacklisting if they refuse assignments.