Five ways the US-Iran conflict is shifting – analysis

The US-Iran conflict is evolving from military confrontation to a broader contest involving economic pressure, maritime security, diplomacy, and great-power competition. The Trump administration is prioritizing economic isolation of Iran while maintaining military deterrence. Key shifts include:

• The Strait of Hormuz is transitioning from a battlefield to a shipping corridor, with the US Navy clearing mines and warning Iran against further disruptions. President Donald Trump stated, "All mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz."
• Economic pressure has become Washington's primary weapon. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced "Operation Economic Outcast," a global campaign to sever Iran's financial networks.
• China is expressing concern and maintaining its economic ties with Iran, highlighting the conflict's integration into wider major-power competition.
• Iran is responding to economic pressure with its own measures and threats of "asymmetric means," viewing sanctions as an "economic terrorist attack."
• Regional diplomacy continues, with Oman mediating discussions between Iran and other states to restore safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and prevent escalation.