The ceasefire between the United States and Iran, one of the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two countries on June 17, has unraveled.
This is a surprise to almost no one. While it isn¡¯t clear what Washington wants at this moment besides a return to the status quo before it, with Israel, launched attacks on Iran in February, Tehran has been unyielding, demanding that it control the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world¡¯s oil passed prior to the beginning of hostilities.
That contest for control of that waterway is part of a larger struggle to shape the political contours of the Middle East. In that fight, Iran appears to have the advantage. The U.S. seems to have no goal other than a quick victory and no strategy to do that. Overwhelming U.S. military power is of little consequence against a determined adversary with clear and steadfast objectives, however.
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