A Battered Israel Admits Iran Has the Upper Hand
Israeli media acknowledge that Iran is shaping the course of Trump’s ‘Epstein Fury’ war. The US and Israeli responses remain reactive.
The United States is facing mounting difficulty in countering Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli media reports highlight Washington’s inability to create effective mechanisms. These mechanisms are needed to overcome an Iranian-imposed maritime blockade.
According to Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, the US administration has not yet developed a workable strategy. It needs to alter the balance in the strategic waterway.
Iran has asserted dominant influence following the escalation triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes.
The report indicates that US President Donald Trump is now caught in a complex dilemma. Moving forward with escalation could drag Washington into a prolonged war. This war may far exceed initial expectations. Significant economic consequences are already materializing.
Disruptions in the strait have already triggered sharp increases in global energy prices and market instability.
Iran dictates tempo as Washington and Tel Aviv react
In a parallel assessment, Haaretz acknowledged that Iran appears to be setting the pace of the war. Iran initiates strategic moves. Meanwhile, the United States and Israel are left responding to developments on the ground.
This dynamic shows a broader shift in the conflict. Tehran’s calibrated actions, particularly in the maritime domain, have imposed new operational constraints on its adversaries.
Analysts have noted that Washington underestimated Iran’s willingness to restrict the Strait of Hormuz. They also underestimated Iran’s capacity to do so following the initial strikes. This further complicates US planning.
Growing rift between Washington and Tel Aviv
Amid these developments, signs of divergence between US and Israeli leadership are becoming increasingly visible.
According to Haaretz, Trump is actively seeking a way out of the war. For now, at least, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears intent on prolonging the confrontation for his own strategic considerations.
The report suggests that tensions between the two sides have already begun to surface. The central question is now shifting. When will these disagreements evolve into open exchanges of blame?
Ongoing aggression and Iran’s response
Since February 28, Iran has been subjected to sustained US-Israeli aggressions targeting civilian infrastructure, residential areas, and key economic resources.
These strikes marked the beginning of a broader war that has destabilized the region and disrupted global markets.
https://michaelwalshwriter.com/2026/03/23/a-cowering-israel-admits-iran-has-the-upper-hand/