The ongoing US-Israel conflict in Iran has entered its eighth week, far exceeding initial expectations set by President Donald Trump. Military actions have succeeded in targeting Iranian leadership but failed to produce the anticipated political outcomes. Iran remains defiant, having closed the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global oil trade, blocking about 20% of it. The US has retaliated with its own blockade, inflicting an estimated $500 million in daily losses on Iran, yet negotiations have stalled. Analysts suggest the situation has shifted from a 'war of choice' to a 'war of necessity,' with rising petrol prices in the US nearing a four-year high complicating the political landscape ahead of midterm elections. Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's proposals for reopening the strait, particularly regarding its nuclear program. The administration is wary of striking a deal that highlights its shortcomings in Iran, especially compared to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Trump exited in 2018. The conflict has created a leadership vacuum in Iran, further complicating negotiations, as hardliners and moderates vie for control amid the crisis. Critics argue that the current administration's approach has exacerbated the situation, warning that reliance on military force has proven ineffective.