Iran Expands War to Pressure Trump and Shape Global Prices
Iran aims to survive by widening the conflict beyond its borders to raise costs for President Trump—economically through higher oil and gas prices, inflation, and casualties. The plan, described as asymmetric endurance, seeks to stretch the battlefield and overwhelm interceptors, targeting Gulf energy infrastructure and shipping via the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran hopes the growing pain will force Washington to back off, while Gulf states, Europe, and allies brace for further escalation and potential shifts in leadership or negotiations.