Iran’s Unexpected Resilience
Two months of fighting have emphasized some of the country’s advantages.
TL;DR
- Approximately 1,550 marine vessels are idled in the Persian Gulf due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
- The U.S. announced a plan to escort ships out of the war zone, but Iran rejected it, threatening to attack any U.S. military forces approaching the strait.
- Iran has used mine deployment and demands for tolls in cryptocurrency and Chinese yuan to control passage through the strait.
- Despite U.S. efforts to degrade Iran's capabilities, its military has proven more resilient and capable than expected, utilizing drones like the Shahed-136 and a nimble 'mosquito fleet'.
- The war has cost the U.S. an estimated $25 billion, while Iran's lower-cost weaponry has presented a significant challenge.