Pentagon voices doubt, Iran seen stronger after conflict. Costly campaign yields limited change, Hormuz still contested. Back-channel Iran talks reported
A former Pentagon adviser said Iran is entering negotiations with higher leverage than before the war began. The U.S. spent $12 billion, struck 9,000 targets, and deployed the 82nd Airborne. Iran still controls the Strait of Hormuz and can threaten chaos across the entire region. That’s not the outcome the opening briefings described. Source: CNN …