After Six Months of War: US-Iran Conflict
Many of the US president’s goals remain unfulfilled, despite claims of victory.
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By Shola Lawal
Published On 28 Aug 2026
It has been six months since the US and Israel launched missile strikes on Iran, marking the beginning of a conflict that has left a trail of devastation.
US President Donald Trump initially predicted a short-lived conflict, stating it would only last “four to five weeks”. However, the situation has escalated and expanded, with far-reaching consequences.
Global Oil Supply Crisis
The war has triggered a global oil supply crisis, as the US and Iran battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil and natural gas.
Human Cost
The conflict has resulted in an estimated 8,000-10,000 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries.
Shifting Global Order
The conflict is realigning the global order, with new alliances forming and dominant powers showing signs of weakness.
US Objectives: What Has Been Achieved?
The US’s objectives were initially unclear, with officials claiming self-defence. The goals included:
- Iran’s Nuclear Programme: Despite Trump’s claim of obliteration, Iran still possesses highly enriched uranium, suggesting the US and Israel’s efforts to halt its nuclear progress have not been fully successful.
Other aspects of the conflict and their impacts will be explored in subsequent segments.