The American outlet Axios has outlined what it described as four pressure points in the war on Iran that should be closely monitored this week.
In a report prepared by correspondent Avery Lotz, the outlet stated that the war on Iran has entered its third week, with costs escalating, the humanitarian crisis worsening, and no diplomatic resolution appearing on the horizon.
Lotz, who covers U.S. politics, national security, and international relations including conflicts such as the war with Iran, noted that U.S. President Donald Trump and his aides have presented differing timelines for ending the war. However, Iran, despite suffering significant damage, remains defiant, disrupting trade and pushing the United States toward deeper involvement in the conflict.
Military Superiority Not Required for Iran
The correspondent stated that while the United States can point to its air superiority and the destruction of Iran’s navy, Iran does not need to achieve a military victory in order to inflict damage on the United States and Israel.
Lotz added that Iran’s choking of the Strait of Hormuz is intensifying economic pain, raising the risk of what she described as an “escalation trap.”
The report identified four tracks to monitor this week, as follows:
1. Humanitarian Consequences
Lotz urged close attention to the humanitarian fallout, noting that 13 U.S. service members have been killed and around 140 others wounded as of Monday. Meanwhile, more than 1,300 Iranians have been killed and thousands injured, according to Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations.
In addition, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health announced that 850 Lebanese have been killed since the latest Israeli strikes began, while the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration estimates that around one million people have been forced to flee their homes in Lebanon. Deaths have also been recorded in Israel and several Gulf countries.
2. The Strait of Hormuz Challenge
According to Lotz, the second pressure point is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump is attempting to form a coalition of countries to reopen the strait, with plans to announce it later this week.
Trump claimed on Saturday that the United States and other countries would send warships to restore commercial shipping, calling on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to assist.
He later told reporters that he is “demanding” that NATO members and other oil importing countries, including China, contribute.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius questioned the plan, stating:
“What does Donald Trump expect a few European frigates in the Strait of Hormuz to achieve that the powerful U.S. Navy cannot? This is not our war. We did not start it.”
However, major countries have declined to commit warships, including Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Australia, while others indicated they have no immediate plans to deploy naval forces.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Monday that the United Kingdom and other countries are working on a plan, but it will not be a NATO mission.
3. Attack on Lebanon
The third pressure point relates to the Israeli assault on Lebanon. Israel announced on Monday what it described as “limited and targeted” ground operations in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese government has expressed deep concern that the renewed war, which erupted after Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel, could devastate the country.
United Nations experts have warned that the strikes are worsening Lebanon’s displacement crisis.
Axios had previously reported that Israel aims to take control of the entire area south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
4. The Cost of War
The fourth point is the cost of the war, which has exceeded $11.3 billion in the first six days, according to Pentagon officials speaking to lawmakers, based on multiple reports. The figure is expected to rise as the conflict continues.
At the same time, prices for gasoline, diesel, and home heating oil in the United States continue to increase.
Global Brent crude prices remain above $100 per barrel as of Monday morning, while the U.S. benchmark price has declined to the mid-$90 range after previously exceeding $100.
