The United States made a major strategic mistake by underestimating Iran, Professor Glenn Diesen of the University of Southeastern Norway said on X.

Commenting on an article by The Wall Street Journal, he stated that the only way for Donald Trump to declare victory may be to withdraw from the conflict. However, in his assessment, such a move would sharply weaken US influence in the region, as Iran could condition access through the Strait of Hormuz on the withdrawal of American bases, demand reparations, and shift oil sales to non-dollar currencies.

Diesen emphasized that the underestimation of Iran was, in his view, a historic mistake.

The US and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28, striking targets across the country, including Tehran. In response, Iran has carried out missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory as well as on US military facilities in the Middle East.

Amid the escalation, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly come to a halt. This is a key route for global oil and LNG supplies from the Persian Gulf, accounting for about 20% of global deliveries, and fuel prices are rising worldwide.