Trump said his war with Iran would last weeks. It's been 6 months

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump marks six months into the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, a war initially described by him as a brief "little excursion," but which has extended far beyond that timeline and cost over $37.5 billion.
• The Trump administration is shifting focus from military action to increasing economic sanctions against Iran, aiming to punish countries and entities that continue business with Tehran amid concerns over depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles.
• Despite ongoing conflict, Trump shows little interest in returning to negotiations with Iran, emphasizing that Iran’s leadership and military capacity are severely weakened, while maintaining a naval blockade to prevent Iranian oil exports.
• Iran remains resilient despite significant damage to its economy and leadership, continuing to find ways to sell discounted oil and navigate sanctions, challenging U.S. expectations that increased pressure will force political change.
• The administration’s new "Operation Economic Outcast" campaign warns nations to cut trade with Iran but has yet to impose secondary sanctions, with uncertainty about how far the U.S. will go, especially regarding major trade partner China, which opposes unilateral sanctions.