Mearsheimer Declares Trump’s Iran War a Defeat as Tehran Reclaims Hormuz Leverage

University of Chicago political scientist John Mearsheimer argues that Trump’s Iran War is a devastating defeat for the U.S., claiming Trump has “no choice” but to accept Iran’s leverage as it uses the Strait of Hormuz to demand fees for passage; other experts like Vali Nasr and Daniel DePetris say Iran now holds the upper hand and escalating would invite retaliation, suggesting Washington may be forced to adapt to a new, Iran-led shipping regime in the Gulf.