US Faces Existential Threat and Global Credibility Crisis Following Confrontation with Iran

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the United States military’s confrontation with Iran has led to catastrophic consequences, undermining the U.S.’s global standing and internal cohesion. The initial expectation that encircling Iran for over four decades and intensifying pressure through American bases would accelerate regime change was shattered, instead turning the conflict into a nightmare that severely impacted U.S. credibility in international affairs and its domestic situation, posing an existential threat to its hegemony.

A report by Al-Ahed News Weblog delves into the dangerous ramifications of the U.S. defeat in the war against Iran and the Axis of Resistance.

1. Diminished U.S. International Credibility

For decades, the United States successfully imposed its hegemony globally through economic blockades, color revolutions, and the toppling of opposing regimes. Washington also established a network of alliances by marketing weaponry and making security promises in exchange for tribute and control over the sovereign decisions of nations.

During this period, Donald Trump economically besieged Iran. When his dictates regarding sovereignty and the cessation of Tehran’s support for resistance movements failed, and he could not achieve his objectives through backing anti-Iranian groups and recruiting mercenaries and spies, the U.S. resorted to military operations.

As a final measure, the U.S. attempted to implement a strategy of shock and awe against Iran, but was met with Iranian resilience.

Tehran successfully delivered significant lessons to the Zionist regime, striking deep into occupied territories and achieving unprecedented objectives. In these attacks, Tehran managed to penetrate numerous Israeli and American anti-missile systems using advanced, heavy missiles and drones.

Resistance groups were able to activate the “unity of fronts” strategy during this conflict, transforming it into an irreversible deterrence equation in the region. This constitutes a strategic achievement that has deepened America’s crisis and eroded its deterrence and credibility.

The fall of America’s standing serves as a dangerous precedent, encouraging all those who fear the U.S. and hesitate to confront it. Furthermore, the military conflict and Iran’s use of asymmetric warfare tools exposed the U.S. military’s power as a paper tiger, vulnerable to inexpensive weapons and unconventional strategies.

This represents an existential threat to American hegemony, with profound implications for the U.S.’s position in international conflicts, which largely rely on soft power, the exaggeration of American strength, and the intimidation of others.

2. Internal Dangers of U.S. Defeat

The recent conflict has had significant repercussions on the U.S. domestic situation. Beyond the decline in Donald Trump’s popularity, confirmed by polls, it has fueled deep political divisions within American political circles, including the Republican Party.

The U.S. belligerence against Iran also led to increased fuel and fertilizer prices, exacerbating inflation within the United States and consequently intensifying public discontent.

Most crucially, American public trust in the country’s ability to resolve conflicts has eroded, carrying substantial implications and potentially leading to the fragmentation or secession of some states in the medium term.

3. Threat to Structural Relations Between the U.S. and the Zionist Regime

Although the U.S. is the primary decision-maker for the Zionist regime’s major military policies and utilizes it for its own interests, the recent war experience has increased the cost of maintaining the regime. Unprecedented public discussions in the U.S. have emerged regarding conflicting interests between the two parties. Opponents of support for the Zionist regime have explicitly stated that backing it embroils the U.S., diminishes its credibility, and harms the American people.

4. Threat to U.S. Existence in the Persian Gulf

Since the signing of the Quincy Agreement in 1945, the approach of support in exchange for plunder has governed U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf states. This war has exposed the fragility of U.S. support for these nations, as America failed even to protect itself and its bases in the region, thereby creating an existential threat for the Persian Gulf states. This will lead to reevaluations among Arab nations regarding this strategic vulnerability. Indeed, signs of concern and dissatisfaction are observable within the Persian Gulf regarding this war, its costs, the U.S. defeat, and the prioritization of support for the Zionist regime.