Newsweek is reporting that both the United States and Iran are hinting at de-escalation following a weekend of intense conflict in the region. It said the American death toll in the widening conflict has reached at least 17, with three U.S. servicemembers killed in action since Friday and another missing. One servicemember died in Iraq from an Iranian drone explosion, while two others were killed in Jordan by an Iranian missile barrage targeting a U.S. base.
Newsweek said the Wall Street Journal is reporting that Iran is now employing new, highly sophisticated tactics, including hypersonic missiles with "terminal maneuvering" capabilities, which can overcome advanced missile defenses like THAAD. It noted this raises questions about how Iran acquired such capabilities after months of sustained attacks and whether China or Russia are providing targeting assistance that is contributing to American casualties. Newsweek speculated that China is the more likely source of such assistance.
The outlet stated that President Donald J Trump faces a significant strategic dilemma regarding the Strait of Hormuz. It said Iran is unlikely to relinquish its control over the strait, which it views as crucial leverage in an existential conflict. However, Newsweek added that Trump cannot withdraw without it being perceived as a humiliating defeat at home, especially since the strait was open to tanker traffic before the conflict began and now requires payment or faces fire. Newsweek outlined two potential options for the president: either escalate military action significantly, possibly including ground troops, which could drive oil prices to $120 and gas to $5 per gallon before the midterms, or continue low-level, tit-for-tat attacks interspersed with unproductive negotiations, allowing Iran time to re-arm while keeping the conflict out of the U.S. headlines.
Newsweek also noted that national average gas prices have risen to $4 per gallon. It proposed a third option, which it called the "GTFO Option," advocating for the complete withdrawal of the U.S. military from the Gulf region. This would involve emptying bases and leaving regional allies to manage the Iranian issue independently, citing the U.S.'s inability to protect its own bases and potential munitions problems. Newsweek urged President Trump to honor his campaign promises and withdraw U.S. forces from the region.