The United States could find itself drawn into a protracted confrontation if President Donald Trump decides to launch a military operation against Iran, according to an analysis by The New York Times.

The newspaper reports that specialists caution against underestimating the масштабы and complexity of such a move. An attack on Iran, they argue, would be far more complicated than the operation in Venezuela and could entangle Washington in a long-term conflict.

Tehran, the authors note, possesses substantial military capabilities. Beyond its conventional forces, Iran maintains an extensive network of loyal proxy groups across the region that could act against American interests. The country also fields one of the largest missile arsenals in the Middle East, posing a potential threat to U.S. bases.

Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group suggests there is no quick or inexpensive military solution when it comes to Iran. He points out that the prospect of American casualties would weigh heavily on Trump, particularly in an election year.

The article also underscores the possible economic fallout. In the event of escalation, Tehran could move to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy flows through which a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies transit. Any disruption to shipping in that corridor could trigger a sharp surge in energy prices.

Earlier, Western media reported that Washington had considered a scenario involving the elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba.