Former adviser to the U. S. Secretary of Defense, Douglas Macgregor, has warned that if the conflict in the Middle East drags on, Iran is likely to endure the pressure while the United States may ultimately be forced to withdraw from the region.

Macgregor believes the current escalation could mark the beginning of a prolonged regional war. In his assessment, the consequences of the confrontation are already spreading far beyond the Persian Gulf, with potential repercussions reaching India, countries of Northeast Asia, Turkey, and several European states.

Speaking on YouTube, the former Pentagon adviser argued that global attention has now shifted toward this conflict. He also suggested that the situation is already having economic repercussions, noting a weakening dollar and warning that the financial consequences for the United States could become severe over time.

Macgregor further predicted that countries of the Persian Gulf might eventually turn against Washington. If that happens, he said, the continued presence of American forces in the region could come into question.

In his view, a prolonged military campaign in Iran would gradually reshape perceptions of power. The longer the fighting continues, the weaker the United States and Israel could appear, while Iran’s position might strengthen. Such a dynamic, he suggested, could push Washington into a strategic dead end.

Macgregor also pointed to developments in Iraq, where, according to him, Shiite forces are gaining momentum and Iraqi authorities are seeking the departure of American troops. Taken together, these trends could eventually force the United States out of the region, while countries around the Persian Gulf may become increasingly unwilling to host American military infrastructure near their ports, airports, or other key facilities. He concluded that the situation risks turning into a looming strategic disaster for Washington.