The United States has weakened Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks.

It has also almost stopped Iran’s own oil exports.

This has made Iran’s economy decline faster.

But the war started by the U.S. and Israel in February is far from over.

A June agreement quickly failed.

Low-level fighting continues, and the U.S. has no exit strategy.

The economic pressure on Iran has not caused an uprising.

Experts say Iran’s leaders may fight harder instead of giving in.

Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen have attacked Saudi Arabia more.

This has helped push oil prices back up.

Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel this week, and diesel hit a record.

Iran closed the strait early in the war, but now the balance has reversed.

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 to about 255,000 in August.

This is according to oil expert Homayoun Falakshahi.

Non-Iranian exports rose from 300,000 barrels a day at the war’s height to 8.4 million in September.

The increased flow depends on a major U.S. deployment that has strained the military.

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

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

Analysts say Washington still lacks a path to victory.

Iran has kept attacking ships and shows no sign of backing down.

Experts warn it may escalate further rather than accept the blockade.