The United States and Iran remain locked in conflict, with President Donald Trump facing warnings that further military escalation could lead to a longer war.
A former National Security Council official has said both sides show overconfidence and lack clear ways to end the fighting.
Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil. The Trump administration has considered ground operations, including possible moves toward Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.
Reports indicate the Pentagon is looking at sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the region, adding to forces already deployed.
Evacuation efforts underway
In a secret plan reported by the Daily Mail on Sunday, March 29th, more than 10,000 people, including Americans, have received assistance to leave parts of the Middle East amid the fighting.
Flights have faced disruptions from airspace closures and security concerns. Governments have urged citizens to depart using available commercial options.
The United Kingdom has prepared plans to evacuate thousands of its nationals if the situation worsens. Senior military sources said commando raiding craft and Royal Marines stand ready for operations focused on Beirut in Lebanon, where about 4,500 UK nationals remain, and Aqaba in Jordan, home to around 6,000.
Assets including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Lyme Bay and RAF helicopters have moved into position. A UK government spokesperson said more than 139,000 British nationals have already returned from the region since the conflict began and did not confirm details of new plans.
Former official issues warning
Nate Swanson, who worked on Iran issues including in the Trump administration’s negotiating team before leaving, told Politico that neither side appears ready to compromise.
“I think both sides are probably irrationally confident in their standing, and so I think that’s a little worrisome,” he said. He added that the war “is probably going to go on longer than anyone anticipated.”
Swanson noted that Trump believes military pressure will lead to Iranian political changes, but said this has not occurred. Iran, he said, remains set on resisting.
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The absence of diplomatic off-ramps increases the chance of further escalation, including possible ground operations.
Why this matters
The conflict carries risks for the region and beyond. A ground invasion or major escalation could disrupt oil flows further, affect shipping, and draw in more parties. Evacuations signal real dangers for civilians and foreign nationals still in affected areas.
The standoff shows how military actions and firm positions on both sides have limited immediate paths to de-escalation, leaving open the possibility of a prolonged conflict with wider effects on energy supplies and stability.
