[Anchor]
The U.S. has repeatedly said it has neutralized Iran’s military facilities and seized the initiative.
Two variables will determine whether that amounts to a genuine victory rather than a self-declared end to the war.
Reporter Lee Ji-hyun reports.
[Reporter]
Compared with the period before the fighting began, U.S. officials say Iran’s ballistic missile strikes are down by more than 90% and drone attacks by about 85%. The U.S. also says it has destroyed more than 50 Iranian naval vessels.
U.S. officials maintain that Iran has been stripped of its combat capability and that the war is effectively over, leaving only a declaration of victory from President Trump.
\"Caroline Leavitt / White House spokesperson\" \"U.S. combat power has grown more lethal and increasingly overwhelming by the day, while the Iranian regime’s ability to respond has sharply declined.\"
But Tehran is not backing down and continues to push back.
Iran has said it will not use warheads under 1 ton and has vowed to increase both the frequency and range of its strikes, signaling that its military remains operational.
\"Ali Mohammad Naini / IRGC spokesman\" \"Our Islamic Republic’s powerful military can sustain its firepower and is fully prepared to endure a full-scale, high-intensity war for at least six months.\"
Beyond the public posturing over an end to hostilities, analysts say two factors will determine whether the conflict becomes prolonged: ammunition stocks and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, in particular, could push U.S. oil prices and inflation sharply higher and present a political risk to the Trump administration ahead of the November midterm elections.
U.S. commanders have considered escorting tankers through the strait, but they have held off because even small Iranian units could still strike commercial vessels.
That is why analysts say securing the Strait of Hormuz — not just counting remaining missiles — will likely decide the real outcome of the war.
In short, unless Washington secures the Strait of Hormuz and guarantees weapons supplies, it will be difficult to put a definitive end to the conflict beyond a self-declared ceasefire.
This is Lee Ji-hyun for Yonhap News TV.
[Video editing: Kim Hwi-su]
Yonhap News TV inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23
Lee Ji-hyun (ji@yna.co.kr)
