The US-Iran war could be entering its deadliest phase

The article suggests the Trump administration may attack Iran with full strength to exit the war at the earliest opportunity while focusing on managing global perceptions of US hegemony.

Iran announces it will grant Hormuz passage only to ships trading in petroyuan, signaling dedollarisation concerns; the US counters with counter-blockade moves in response to these dynamics.

China and Russia are described as the biggest beneficiaries, each pursuing leverage on different fronts amid the conflict, with Iran testing AI-driven Chinese weapon systems and Russia benefiting from higher crude prices.

With the date for a second round of talks approaching, analysts warn that failure could lead to full-scale war or a ground operation in Iran.

The article states the war is costing more than $1 billion per day to the US, highlighting economic strain alongside sanctions on Iran.

Iranian officials mock Trump for announcing a counter blockade in the Strait of Hormuz; Trump claims that Iran-bound empty oil ships are moving toward the US as part of pressure tactics.

The ceasefire deadlock between the US and Iran persists, with both sides presenting unacceptable conditions in their proposals and engaging in narrative-style blame and psychological warfare.

The Trump-led US is reportedly deploying tens of thousands of soldiers in West Asia along with massive aircraft carrier strike groups near Iranian waters, marking an unprecedented buildup in the region.

The article notes that since the US war in Iraq in 2003, this is the first time the US has moved aircraft carriers and American troops in West Asia to this extent.