The White House is preparing for a potentially prolonged military confrontation with Iran, with US officials anticipating an exchange of fire that could last from several days to weeks.
The assessment, reported by Axios, hinges on whether Tehran continues its attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
This projection marks a significant shift from earlier hopes for a rapid diplomatic resolution, signaling that the US administration is now planning for a sustained operational campaign rather than a brief skirmish.
The prospect of a multi-week conflict intensifies the risk premium embedded in global energy markets.
With vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz already near a standstill following recent US strikes and the collapse of ceasefire talks, any extension of hostilities threatens to keep a critical chokepoint closed to commercial transit.
The Strait handles roughly a fifth of the world's oil consumption, and prolonged disruption would force buyers to seek alternative, more expensive supply routes, likely keeping upward pressure on Brent crude prices.