Iran Gains Ground as Trump Bets on Prolonged Conflict

NBC News reports that despite U.S.-led strikes and threats, Iran’s regime appears more stable and hard-line, with protests fading and Tehran showing little urgency to negotiate. Trump has escalated strikes and pushed a naval blockade to force concessions, but Western officials say the war could drag on as domestic politics in the U.S. and mixed polling create pressure to exit, while Iran leverages its control of the Strait of Hormuz and economic leverage to endure the conflict.