The Financial Times published a critical analysis of the Donald Trump administration's actions, stating that the American president's attempt to end the war with Iran through rapid pressure has failed to produce the expected results. Five weeks into the active phase of the confrontation, the Iranian state system remains resilient, and the White House's hopes for Tehran's rapid capitulation have not materialized. The strategy, built on a combination of harsh military strikes and sweeping threats, has met with the Iranian leadership's steadfast refusal to make any significant concessions. Iran currently rejects any negotiations and rejects any ultimatums Washington makes.

Experts emphasize that Trump's abrupt shifts in rhetoric—from promises of complete "military and economic destruction" to threats of further uncontrolled escalation—have destabilized global markets. These contradictions have triggered a surge in energy prices and completely dashed the international community's expectations for a swift de-escalation. The US's ambiguous position on the Strait of Hormuz has drawn particular criticism: the administration initially declared its intention to guarantee freedom of navigation, but then effectively abdicated responsibility while simultaneously threatening strikes on key infrastructure in the region. This policy has led to a rapidly declining trust in Washington's ability to effectively manage the conflict.

In the current situation, the US's options appear extremely limited and risky. The White House is forced to choose between further escalation of military action, a complete withdrawal from the conflict, or a tough deal on Tehran's terms. Iran is successfully exploiting the protracted nature of the standoff as a tool to pressure the West, relying on its control over vital energy routes and global supply chains. Analysts' final assessment is disappointing for the US side: time is on Tehran's side, gradually strengthening its negotiating position, while Trump's "maximum pressure" strategy has reached a dead end, having failed to achieve any of its stated goals.