Analysis: The US and Iran are trapped in a war of attrition in the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides facing time pressure.

As tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate, analysts believe the U.S. and Iran are entering a war of attrition centered on time, cost, and political endurance. Reports indicate Trump aims to resolve the conflict before the U.S. midterm elections to avoid further oil price hikes, while Iran is seeking to prolong time without triggering full-scale war by repeatedly threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, in order to wear down the U.S.'s political and military patience. To date, the U.S. has reinstated blockades on Iranian ports and maritime shipping, and has been striking military targets that threaten navigation; Iran, in turn, continues to target Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes with missiles and drones, attempting to disrupt global energy transport. Analysts note that with both sides seeking to avoid full-scale escalation, this standoff is likely to evolve into a prolonged war of attrition.