Trump pushes periodic strikes on Iran, warning of a never-ending low-intensity war
President Trump described a “mowing the grass” plan of repeated US strikes on Iranian targets, while analysts warn it could lock both sides into a perpetual low-intensity conflict.
President Donald Trump announced that the United States will adopt a “mowing the grass” strategy, targeting Iranian radar, air-defence and maritime installations after the latest CENTCOM-reported strikes. The concept, taken from Israeli policy, calls for periodic limited attacks to prevent Iran from reconstituting its military strength in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran answered with rockets and drones, prompting regional alerts, including Jordan intercepting several missiles.
Analysts like Mona Yacoubian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies argue that the approach, suited to non-state foes, may become unsustainable against a sovereign state, risking a perpetual low-intensity war and potentially encouraging Tehran to seek nuclear weapons for lasting deterrence. While the plan lets the US avoid large-scale ground operations, it may create a never-ending cycle of attrition.
Why it matters
The strategy could entrench a continuous US-Iran conflict and raise nuclear proliferation risks.
How this story developed
- Aug 23 Iran readies major fuel price hike amid US sanctions and war pressures
- Aug 31 Iranian media claimed a bulk carrier was seized and an oil supertanker hit mines, while U.S. officials said no vessels were struck.
- Sep 1 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will reinstate the June cease-fire with the United States provided Washington also returns to the pact.
- Sep 1 President Trump posted an AI‑generated video showing a fictitious bombing of Iran’s Kharg Island.
- Sep 1 Iran announced it will match any U.S. compliance with the June memorandum.
- Sep 1 Following a U.S. strike on Iranian rocket launchers near Larak Island and an Iranian attack on American forces in Jordan, President Trump said the United States would respond forcefully but not launch a full-scale war. At the same time, a South Korean-owned tanker and a Saudi-flagged vessel were struck near the Strait of Hormuz, which Marisks described as likely coordinated attacks. The incidents pushed Brent crude above $92 a barrel and U.S. crude near $88, and Trump is scheduled to meet refinery executives about rising gasoline costs.
- Sep 1 President Vladimir Putin vowed to support Iran and resist U.S. sanctions after meeting with President Pezeshkian.
- Sep 2 Daily fuel deficit of about 15 million litres reported.
- Sep 2 U.S. conducts a second wave of strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
- Sep 2 Donald Trump suggested on Truth Social that the strategic Strait of Hormuz be renamed 'Trump Strait' while the United States maintains control of the waterway.
- Sep 2 A White House social‑media post now shows a map labeling the waterway as "Trump Strait."
- Sep 3 Iran's army claimed radar systems and locations where American forces were stationed at the UAE's Al Minhad Air Base were attacked with missiles and drones.
- Sep 3 Ofgem announced a 4% increase to the UK energy price cap.
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