The United States is exploring three potential outcomes in the Iran war, including a diplomatic solution, a continuation of the air campaign, and preparations to reopen the shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz by force. However, the longer the war lasts, the greater the likelihood of ground troops will be needed, raising the possibility of Russia and China increasing their support for Iran's efforts. After 25 days of U.S. and Israeli air strikes have destroyed Iran, but Iran still maintains a distributed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chain of command and can still launch drones or ballistic missiles against Israel and friendly states in the Persian Gulf. Major issues include Iran's continued closure of the strait, which could cause significant economic dislocation in energy, agriculture, and computer chip manufacturing. Despite this, there is no sign of Iranian forces collapsing or a large uprising against the regime. The Iranian government is likely split between political leaders seeking an end to the conflict and IRGC commanders resisting, believing they are winning. Both sides seem confident in their positions, with President Trump still calling for Iran to surrender its enriched nuclear materials and open the Strait.