Think Tank Warning: U.S. Weeks Away From Striking Iran, Israel to Take Over Prolonged Action

March 19 – Seth G. Jones, an expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), says direct U.S. military strikes on Iran could only last a few days or weeks, primarily due to limited stockpiles of long-range strike and defense munitions. Jones noted that before the latest round of strikes, U.S. key munitions reserves were already stretched thin, which would force the Donald Trump administration to scale back its military operations. Even as the U.S. gradually pulls back, Israel is likely to keep conducting periodic strikes on Iran—similar to its longstanding military approach against armed groups in Lebanon. Analysis suggests that if the current phase of the conflict winds down, it could help de-escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and lower oil prices. However, shipping resumptions will still hinge on progress in follow-up diplomatic talks.