The United States has made Iran weaker in the Strait of Hormuz.

It has also almost stopped Iran’s oil exports.

This is making Iran’s economy worse.

But the war started by the U.S. and Israel in February is not over.

A June agreement failed fast.

Low-level fighting continues.

The U.S. has no plan to leave.

The economic pressure has not caused a protest in Iran.

Experts say Iran’s leaders may fight more instead of giving up.

Iran’s allies, the Houthis in Yemen, have attacked Saudi Arabia more.

This helped push oil prices up again.

Brent crude went above $100 a barrel this week.

Diesel hit a record price.

Iran closed the strait early in the war.

But now the situation is the opposite.

A U.S. blockade has almost stopped Iran’s exports.

At the same time, U.S. forces have helped Gulf countries export more.

Iran’s oil exports fell from 1.85 million barrels a day last spring.

In August, they were about 255,000 a day.

This is according to oil expert Homayoun Falakshahi.

Non-Iranian exports rose from 300,000 barrels a day at the war’s height.

In September, they were 8.4 million a day.

This increased flow depends on a big U.S. deployment.

This has put stress on the military.

The war has cost U.S. taxpayers more than $37.5 billion.

It has left 18 U.S. service members dead.

Analysts say Washington still has no path to victory.

Iran has kept attacking ships.

It shows no sign of backing down.

Experts warn Iran may fight more instead of accepting the blockade.