Trump faces “all-in” moment on Iran

The departure of a senior counterterrorism official is not just a personnel change but a political signal. At a time of active military engagement, it reflects deepening divisions within the US security establishment. Opposition to the war is no longer limited to Democrats — a growing number of Republicans are also questioning the direction of the conflict.

At the international level, Washington has failed to build a coalition. Trump called on allies — and even signaled openness to cooperation with China — to deploy naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz. No country responded with concrete support. This lack of engagement underlines a broader reluctance to join what is increasingly seen as a US-driven escalation.

European forces present in the region, including those of France and Italy, remain strictly defensive. There is no indication of willingness to participate in offensive operations alongside the United States. Instead, European states are focused on protecting their own assets and maintaining a limited presence without escalating the conflict.

The United States is now facing a narrow strategic choice. It can escalate further and commit fully — an “all-in” scenario with significant costs — or scale back operations, risking political and strategic defeat. This is no longer just a military operation. It is a high-stakes political gamble.