Professor Joshua Landis: US Losing in Gulf, Israel Winning Amid Iran Tensions

In an interview with The Hindu, Joshua Landis, a Professor of Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, analyzed the deteriorating strategic position of the United States in the Persian Gulf. Landis argued that President Donald Trump’s blockade of Iran is destined to fail and has placed Washington in a vulnerable situation. He warned that any escalation of the current crisis could severely damage U.S. interests in the region. Conversely, Landis asserted that Israel is currently gaining strategic advantage. He highlighted that Israel, which does not support the existing ceasefire with Iran, is actively attempting to drag the United States back into direct conflict with Tehran. This dynamic creates a complex geopolitical landscape where U.S. efforts to contain Iran are undermined by its ally's aggressive posture. The professor’s insights suggest a significant divergence between American and Israeli objectives regarding Iran, with potential long-term negative consequences for U.S. influence in the Middle East if the status quo persists or worsens.