The Iran situation didn't end because of military strategy. It ended because gas hit $4.50 and midterms were coming.
Trump got briefed on "finish the job" multiple times. Passed every time. Why? Because keeping the strait closed means expensive gas for months, and expensive gas means you lose Congress.
The average household ate ~$1k in extra costs from fuel and groceries. Two-thirds of Americans said gas prices were causing real financial pain. By June, 68% wanted it over — including most of MAGA. Both chambers passed war powers resolutions.
Iran didn't need to win militarily. They just needed to keep the strait tense enough that the pain showed up at the pump and the grocery store. They negotiated with the election calendar, not just with diplomats.
That's where we are now. Foreign policy gets decided at checkout. Every adversary knows when the next election is.
Trump got briefed on "finish the job" multiple times. Passed every time. Why? Because keeping the strait closed means expensive gas for months, and expensive gas means you lose Congress.
The average household ate ~$1k in extra costs from fuel and groceries. Two-thirds of Americans said gas prices were causing real financial pain. By June, 68% wanted it over — including most of MAGA. Both chambers passed war powers resolutions.
Iran didn't need to win militarily. They just needed to keep the strait tense enough that the pain showed up at the pump and the grocery store. They negotiated with the election calendar, not just with diplomats.
That's where we are now. Foreign policy gets decided at checkout. Every adversary knows when the next election is.