The U.S. Senate moved this week to compel President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval before continuing military actions against Iran or to bring the conflict to an end. The resolution saw bipartisan support as four Republican senators—Bill Cassidy, Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins—joined Democrats in advancing the measure. Cassidy’s vote was notable as he recently lost a primary challenge backed by the president.

Meanwhile, the House Armed Services Committee held a tense hearing with U.S. Central Command leader Admiral Brad Cooper. Representative Seth Moulton questioned the military strategy, pressing whether U.S. forces had a clear plan to "win this war" and expressing concern over further American casualties. Cooper responded by calling the questioning “entirely inappropriate.”

President Trump revealed that he came "an hour away" from authorizing new strikes on Iran earlier in the week, but delayed following consultations with Gulf Arab leaders. He warned that a “full, large-scale assault” remains on the table if Iran does not moderate its position. In response, Iran’s military threatened to open “new fronts,” further elevating already surging global energy costs.

The conflict has already impacted the global oil market significantly. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments, has contributed to gasoline prices increasing by approximately 60%, with national averages surpassing $4.55 per gallon and exceeding $6 in California. Public opposition also appears to be rising, with recent polls indicating that nearly two-thirds of Americans—and even a majority of Republicans under 45—consider an attack on Iran to have been a mistake. Trump, however, insisted his actions are necessary regardless of popularity, stating, “Whether it’s popular or not popular, I have to do it.”

Commentators differ on the conflict’s trajectory and potential resolutions. Andrew C. McCarthy criticized Trump for relying on “overconfidence” and politically motivated decisions rather than military counsel, arguing that dismantling Iran’s nuclear program would require a full-scale invasion involving thousands of troops and extensive naval and air assets. Max Boot suggested that instead of military escalation, the administration should focus on negotiating a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that renewed hostilities could provoke Iran to target critical infrastructure in Gulf states, resulting in severe humanitarian and economic consequences.

Others, like Daniel R. DePetris, describe the prospects for peace as bleak. He noted that by withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement and initiating hostilities, Trump has left Tehran with enriched uranium stockpiles and effective control over the Strait of Hormuz. Any settlement would likely need to concede some Iranian demands, including allowing Iran to retain a nuclear role and a presence in managing the strategic waterway. DePetris concluded that the administration’s approach has led to an unfavorable position, for which Trump must accept responsibility.