The Hindu Editorial • May 08, 2026 • Read Original

Unwinnable war: On Donald Trump’s ‘Operation Project Freedom’

The U.S. should pursue a deal with Iran, and not take a maximalist stand

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on May 08, 2026

Unwinnable war: On Donald Trump’s ‘Operation Project Freedom’

The U.S. should pursue a deal with Iran, and not take a maximalist stand

Donald TrumpOperation Project FreedomStrait of HormuzIran-US ConflictGlobal EconomyTehran

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 22

English Original

Simple Past Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Object

When Donald Trump announced ‘Operation Project Freedom’, aimed at “guiding” stranded merchant vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz, he warned that any interference from Iran would be dealt with “forcefully”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

When Donald Trump announced ‘Operation Project Freedom’, aimed at “guiding” stranded merchant vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz

When Trump started a military plan called ‘Operation Project Freedom’ to help stuck cargo ships leave the Hormuz water path safely.

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump, the President of the United States.

Part 3

warned

Gave a strong message about a potential danger or future action.

Part 4

that any interference from Iran would be dealt with “forcefully”

That if Iran tried to stop the ships, the U.S. would use strong military power against them.

Context and Background

The Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most important oil transit point. Located between Oman and Iran, it connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow passage daily.

Sentence 2 of 22

English Original

Past Perfect Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Object + Indirect Object + Adjunct

Over the previous weeks, Mr. Trump had issued several ultimatums to Tehran to reopen the waterway, which it closed after the U.S. and Israel launched the war on February 28.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Over the previous weeks

During the weeks that just passed before the operation started.

Part 2

Mr. Trump

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

had issued

Had officially sent or announced demands.

Part 4

several ultimatums

Many final demands that if not met, would lead to military action.

Part 5

to Tehran

To the government of Iran (using the capital city’s name).

Part 6

to reopen the waterway, which it closed after the U.S. and Israel launched the war on February 28

To open the water path again, which Iran had shut down after the U.S. and Israel started a war in late February 2026.

Context and Background

The 2026 Iran-Israel-US Conflict

The conflict began on February 28, 2026, following a major escalatory event. Iran immediately closed the Strait of Hormuz, a move that threatened the global economy and led to the current military standoff and the U.S. operation to force its reopening.

Sentence 3 of 22

English Original

Simple Past Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Object + Adjunct

As Iran refused to budge, Mr. Trump launched the operation to militarily reopen the strait.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As Iran refused to budge

Because the Iranian government would not change its position or give in to the U.S. demands.

Part 2

Mr. Trump

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

launched

Officially started a large-scale military mission.

Part 4

the operation

Referring to ‘Operation Project Freedom’.

Part 5

to militarily reopen the strait

Using military force to make the water path available for ships again.

Sentence 4 of 22

English Original

Simple Past Subject + Verb + Adjunct

But it lasted barely 50 hours.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

But it

Referring to ‘Operation Project Freedom’. The word ‘But’ shows contrast to the previous expectation.

Part 2

lasted

Continued or remained in effect for a certain time.

Part 3

barely 50 hours

Only 50 hours, emphasizing that the operation failed very quickly.

Sentence 5 of 22

English Original

Simple Past Subject + Verb + Adjunct

Iran responded by firing at two American destroyers in the strait and attacking a UAE tanker off Oman’s coast.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Iran

The nation of Iran or its military forces.

Part 2

responded

Acted or retaliated in response to the U.S. military move.

Part 3

by firing at two American destroyers in the strait and attacking a UAE tanker off Oman’s coast

By shooting at two U.S. warships and attacking a large oil ship belonging to the UAE near Oman’s shore.

Context and Background

UAE and Regional Security

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a key strategic partner for the U.S. in the Middle East. Attacks on UAE tankers are seen as a direct threat to the stability of the global oil market, as many Gulf nations export their oil through these waters.

Sentence 6 of 22

English Original

Simple Past Subject + Adjunct + Verb + Object

The UAE, a close strategic partner of both the U.S. and Israel, also said it was attacked twice.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The UAE

The United Arab Emirates.

Part 2

a close strategic partner of both the U.S. and Israel

A country that works very closely with the U.S. and Israel on defense and long-term goals.

Part 3

also said

Reported this information in addition to what happened previously.

Part 4

it was attacked twice

That the country (or its vessels) were hit by military fire on two separate occasions.

Context and Background

The Abraham Accords

The UAE’s strategic partnership with Israel was formalized in 2020 through the Abraham Accords. This historic agreement normalized diplomatic relations, leading to deep cooperation in technology, security, and intelligence against regional adversaries like Iran.

Sentence 7 of 22

English Original

Simple Past Adjunct + Subject + Adjunct + Verb + Object

With the ceasefire coming under strain amid hostilities, Mr. Trump, on Wednesday, said he was pausing the operation “at the request of Pakistan”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

With the ceasefire coming under strain amid hostilities

Because the agreement to stop fighting was failing due to ongoing combat.

Part 2

Mr. Trump

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

on Wednesday

The day when the statement was made.

Part 4

said

Announced or stated publicly.

Part 5

he was pausing the operation “at the request of Pakistan”

That he was temporarily stopping the military mission because Pakistan’s government asked him to do so.

Context and Background

Pakistan as a Mediator

Pakistan has historically acted as a diplomatic bridge between the U.S. and Iran. Due to its close ties with Washington and its shared border with Iran, it often intervenes to prevent regional escalation and facilitate communication during crises.

Sentence 8 of 22

English Original

Simple Present Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Adjunct

While Mr. Trump continues to make sweeping claims about winning the war, the fact that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and that the operation to reopen it did not last even three days points to a very different reality on the ground.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While Mr. Trump continues to make sweeping claims about winning the war

Even though Trump keeps saying that the U.S. is definitely winning the conflict.

Part 2

the fact that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and that the operation to reopen it did not last even three days

The true situation that the water path is still shut down and the U.S. military mission failed very quickly.

Part 3

points

Shows or indicates a particular conclusion or truth.

Part 4

to a very different reality on the ground

To the actual truth of the situation, which is not what is being claimed in speeches.

Sentence 9 of 22

English Original

Simple Past / Present Continuous Subject + Verb + Adjunct + Verb + Adjunct

The U.S. not only failed to achieve any of its declared objectives during the 40 days of war, but is now grappling with a crisis created by the war itself, the closure of the strait.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The U.S.

The United States government or its military.

Part 2

not only failed

Did not succeed in its attempt. The phrase ‘not only’ prepares the reader for a second, even worse result.

Part 3

to achieve any of its declared objectives during the 40 days of war

To reach the goals it announced when the war started more than a month ago.

Part 4

but is now grappling

But is currently struggling to find a solution to a very difficult situation.

Part 5

with a crisis created by the war itself, the closure of the strait

With a dangerous situation that was actually caused by the war they started: the closing of the important water path.

Sentence 10 of 22

English Original

Present Perfect Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Complement

Unlike Mr. Trump, who has made several self-contradictory statements since the war began, Iran has remained consistent in its demands.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Unlike Mr. Trump, who has made several self-contradictory statements since the war began

Differently from Trump, who has said many things that go against his previous statements since the fighting started.

Part 2

Iran

The Iranian government.

Part 3

has remained

Has continued to be in a particular state or position without changing.

Part 4

consistent in its demands

Staying the same and not changing what they are asking for.

Sentence 11 of 22

English Original

Simple Past / Future-in-the-past Subject + Verb + Adjunct + Object

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said last week that Iran would “protect” its missile and nuclear capabilities and continue to exercise control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

The highest political and religious leader of Iran.

Part 2

said

Officially stated or announced.

Part 3

last week

During the week preceding the current date.

Part 4

that Iran would “protect” its missile and nuclear capabilities and continue to exercise control over the Strait of Hormuz

That the Iranian government will keep its military weapons and nuclear power safe, and will not stop managing the shipping route.

Context and Background

Mojtaba Khamenei

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed office in March 2026. His early statements have been characterized by a hardline stance, emphasizing national sovereignty and military strength in the face of U.S. and Israeli pressure.

Sentence 12 of 22

English Original

Simple Present Subject + Verb + Complement

Tehran appears convinced that the war has strengthened its hand and that time is on its side.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Tehran

The Iranian government.

Part 2

appears

Seems or looks to be in a certain state.

Part 3

convinced that the war has strengthened its hand and that time is on its side

Completely sure that the conflict has made them more powerful and that waiting longer will help them win.

Sentence 13 of 22

English Original

Present Perfect Subject + Verb + Object

Mr. Trump has made a series of miscalculations.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 2

has made

Has performed or committed specific acts.

Part 3

a series of miscalculations

A list of wrong decisions or mistakes in judging the situation.

Sentence 14 of 22

English Original

Simple Past / Future-in-the-past Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Object

In the first week of the war, he said he would accept nothing short of Iran’s “unconditional surrender”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the first week of the war

During the very beginning of the conflict (late February 2026).

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

said

Stated or declared publicly.

Part 4

he would accept nothing short of Iran’s “unconditional surrender”

That he would only be satisfied if Iran gave up completely and stopped fighting without any conditions or rules.

Context and Background

Unconditional Surrender in International Conflict

The demand for ‘unconditional surrender’ is a maximalist position, historically associated with total wars like World War II. In modern diplomacy, it is extremely rare for a sovereign nation to agree to such terms unless their military and government are completely collapsed.

Sentence 15 of 22

English Original

Simple Past Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Object

But as the conflict dragged on, he started demanding a deal.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

But as the conflict dragged on

However, when the war continued for much longer than expected and became difficult.

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

started demanding

Began to ask forcefully for a specific outcome.

Part 4

a deal

A negotiated agreement or arrangement between the two sides.

Sentence 16 of 22

English Original

Simple Past Subject + Verb + Adjunct + Adjunct + Conjunction + Subject + Adjunct + Verb + Object

Both sides agreed to a ceasefire on April 8, but the U.S., which imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on April 12, failed to exact any meaningful concession from Iran.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Both sides

Referring to both the United States and Iran.

Part 2

agreed

Reached a mutual decision or consented to a plan.

Part 3

to a ceasefire

To a temporary stop in the fighting.

Part 4

on April 8

The date in 2026 when the ceasefire agreement was made.

Part 5

the U.S.

The United States.

Part 6

which imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on April 12

Which officially started stopping ships from entering or leaving Iran’s ocean ports a few days after the ceasefire.

Part 7

failed to exact

Was not able to force or get what it wanted from the other side.

Part 8

any meaningful concession from Iran

Any important point or goal that Iran gave up in the negotiation.

Context and Background

Naval Blockades in Modern Conflict

A naval blockade is considered an act of war. By imposing it after a ceasefire, the U.S. attempted to use economic pressure to force Iran into a weaker negotiating position. However, Iran’s ability to withstand this pressure indicates a significant failure of American leverage.

Sentence 17 of 22

English Original

Simple Present Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Object + Adjunct

Contrary to his rhetoric, he holds few strong cards in this war of attrition.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Contrary to his rhetoric

Opposite to the powerful and confident speeches he gives.

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

holds

Possesses or has available to use.

Part 4

few strong cards

Very few powerful advantages or options that could lead to victory.

Part 5

in this war of attrition

In this type of slow conflict where each side tries to weaken the other over a long time.

Sentence 18 of 22

English Original

Simple Present / Future Simple Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Object + Adjunct

If the crisis persists, it will inflict lasting damage on the U.S. and the global economy, potentially endangering Mr. Trump’s presidency.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

If the crisis persists

If the dangerous situation continues for a long time without a solution.

Part 2

Referring to the crisis or the current situation.

Part 3

will inflict

Will cause something very painful or damaging to happen.

Part 4

lasting damage on the U.S. and the global economy

Serious harm to the finances of the U.S. and the whole world that will not go away easily.

Part 5

potentially endangering Mr. Trump’s presidency

Possibly putting Donald Trump’s job as the President at risk of being lost.

Sentence 19 of 22

English Original

Simple Present / Future Simple / Conditional Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Adjunct + Adjunct

If he resumes the war, Tehran will retaliate by targeting Gulf kingdoms, which would be catastrophic for the global economy.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

If he resumes the war

If Trump starts the military fighting again after the current break.

Part 2

Tehran

The government of Iran.

Part 3

will retaliate

Will attack back in revenge for the U.S. action.

Part 4

by targeting Gulf kingdoms

By selecting oil-rich Arab countries like Saudi Arabia for military attacks.

Part 5

which would be catastrophic for the global economy

An event that would cause a complete and sudden disaster for the world’s money and trade system.

Sentence 20 of 22

English Original

Modal Present Subject + Verb + Object + Conjunction + Subject + Verb + Object

Mr. Trump can continue his transactional diplomacy of pressuring partners to squeeze Iran, but he should know that Iran cannot be intimidated into submission through force.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump

Donald Trump.

Part 2

can continue

Has the permission or ability to keep doing an action.

Part 3

his transactional diplomacy of pressuring partners to squeeze Iran

His way of dealing with other countries like a business deal, by forcing allies to help him hurt Iran’s economy.

Part 4

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 5

should know

Needs to realize or be aware of a certain fact.

Part 6

that Iran cannot be intimidated into submission through force

That the country of Iran will not get scared and give up just because military power is used against them.

Sentence 21 of 22

English Original

Present Perfect Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Object

By launching a war and failing to win it, he has already displayed the limits of American power in West Asia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

By launching a war and failing to win it

By starting a military conflict and then not being able to achieve a victory.

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

has already displayed

Has shown or made clear to the world before the current moment.

Part 4

the limits of American power in West Asia

The points where the U.S. military and political strength can no longer get what it wants in the Middle East.

Sentence 22 of 22

English Original

Modal Present Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Adjunct + Adjunct

Instead of starting a new war that he cannot win, he should work with international partners to de-escalate the crisis.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Instead of starting a new war that he cannot win

Rather than beginning another military fight that is impossible for him to succeed in.

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

should work

Ought to take action or collaborate with others.

Part 4

with international partners

Together with other countries and world organizations.

Part 5

to de-escalate the crisis

In order to make the dangerous situation less intense and more peaceful.

Sentence 1 of 22

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

When Donald Trump announced ‘Operation Project Freedom’, aimed at “guiding” stranded merchant vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz

When Trump started a military plan called ‘Operation Project Freedom’ to help stuck cargo ships leave the Hormuz water path safely.

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump, the President of the United States.

Part 3

warned

Gave a strong message about a potential danger or future action.

Part 4

that any interference from Iran would be dealt with “forcefully”

That if Iran tried to stop the ships, the U.S. would use strong military power against them.

Sentence 2 of 22

Over the previous weeks, Mr. Trump had issued several ultimatums to Tehran to reopen the waterway, which it closed after the U.S. and Israel launched the war on February 28.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Over the previous weeks

During the weeks that just passed before the operation started.

Part 2

Mr. Trump

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

had issued

Had officially sent or announced demands.

Part 4

several ultimatums

Many final demands that if not met, would lead to military action.

Part 5

to Tehran

To the government of Iran (using the capital city’s name).

Part 6

to reopen the waterway, which it closed after the U.S. and Israel launched the war on February 28

To open the water path again, which Iran had shut down after the U.S. and Israel started a war in late February 2026.

Sentence 3 of 22

As Iran refused to budge, Mr. Trump launched the operation to militarily reopen the strait.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As Iran refused to budge

Because the Iranian government would not change its position or give in to the U.S. demands.

Part 2

Mr. Trump

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

launched

Officially started a large-scale military mission.

Part 4

the operation

Referring to ‘Operation Project Freedom’.

Part 5

to militarily reopen the strait

Using military force to make the water path available for ships again.

Sentence 4 of 22

But it lasted barely 50 hours.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

But it

Referring to ‘Operation Project Freedom’. The word ‘But’ shows contrast to the previous expectation.

Part 2

lasted

Continued or remained in effect for a certain time.

Part 3

barely 50 hours

Only 50 hours, emphasizing that the operation failed very quickly.

Sentence 5 of 22

Iran responded by firing at two American destroyers in the strait and attacking a UAE tanker off Oman’s coast.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Iran

The nation of Iran or its military forces.

Part 2

responded

Acted or retaliated in response to the U.S. military move.

Part 3

by firing at two American destroyers in the strait and attacking a UAE tanker off Oman’s coast

By shooting at two U.S. warships and attacking a large oil ship belonging to the UAE near Oman’s shore.

Sentence 6 of 22

The UAE, a close strategic partner of both the U.S. and Israel, also said it was attacked twice.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The UAE

The United Arab Emirates.

Part 2

a close strategic partner of both the U.S. and Israel

A country that works very closely with the U.S. and Israel on defense and long-term goals.

Part 3

also said

Reported this information in addition to what happened previously.

Part 4

it was attacked twice

That the country (or its vessels) were hit by military fire on two separate occasions.

Sentence 7 of 22

With the ceasefire coming under strain amid hostilities, Mr. Trump, on Wednesday, said he was pausing the operation “at the request of Pakistan”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

With the ceasefire coming under strain amid hostilities

Because the agreement to stop fighting was failing due to ongoing combat.

Part 2

Mr. Trump

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

on Wednesday

The day when the statement was made.

Part 4

said

Announced or stated publicly.

Part 5

he was pausing the operation “at the request of Pakistan”

That he was temporarily stopping the military mission because Pakistan’s government asked him to do so.

Sentence 8 of 22

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While Mr. Trump continues to make sweeping claims about winning the war

Even though Trump keeps saying that the U.S. is definitely winning the conflict.

Part 2

the fact that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and that the operation to reopen it did not last even three days

The true situation that the water path is still shut down and the U.S. military mission failed very quickly.

Part 3

points

Shows or indicates a particular conclusion or truth.

Part 4

to a very different reality on the ground

To the actual truth of the situation, which is not what is being claimed in speeches.

Sentence 9 of 22

The U.S. not only failed to achieve any of its declared objectives during the 40 days of war, but is now grappling with a crisis created by the war itself, the closure of the strait.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The U.S.

The United States government or its military.

Part 2

not only failed

Did not succeed in its attempt. The phrase ‘not only’ prepares the reader for a second, even worse result.

Part 3

to achieve any of its declared objectives during the 40 days of war

To reach the goals it announced when the war started more than a month ago.

Part 4

but is now grappling

But is currently struggling to find a solution to a very difficult situation.

Part 5

with a crisis created by the war itself, the closure of the strait

With a dangerous situation that was actually caused by the war they started: the closing of the important water path.

Sentence 10 of 22

Unlike Mr. Trump, who has made several self-contradictory statements since the war began, Iran has remained consistent in its demands.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Unlike Mr. Trump, who has made several self-contradictory statements since the war began

Differently from Trump, who has said many things that go against his previous statements since the fighting started.

Part 2

Iran

The Iranian government.

Part 3

has remained

Has continued to be in a particular state or position without changing.

Part 4

consistent in its demands

Staying the same and not changing what they are asking for.

Sentence 11 of 22

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said last week that Iran would “protect” its missile and nuclear capabilities and continue to exercise control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

The highest political and religious leader of Iran.

Part 2

said

Officially stated or announced.

Part 3

last week

During the week preceding the current date.

Part 4

that Iran would “protect” its missile and nuclear capabilities and continue to exercise control over the Strait of Hormuz

That the Iranian government will keep its military weapons and nuclear power safe, and will not stop managing the shipping route.

Sentence 12 of 22

Tehran appears convinced that the war has strengthened its hand and that time is on its side.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Tehran

The Iranian government.

Part 2

appears

Seems or looks to be in a certain state.

Part 3

convinced that the war has strengthened its hand and that time is on its side

Completely sure that the conflict has made them more powerful and that waiting longer will help them win.

Sentence 13 of 22

Mr. Trump has made a series of miscalculations.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 2

has made

Has performed or committed specific acts.

Part 3

a series of miscalculations

A list of wrong decisions or mistakes in judging the situation.

Sentence 14 of 22

In the first week of the war, he said he would accept nothing short of Iran’s “unconditional surrender”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the first week of the war

During the very beginning of the conflict (late February 2026).

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

said

Stated or declared publicly.

Part 4

he would accept nothing short of Iran’s “unconditional surrender”

That he would only be satisfied if Iran gave up completely and stopped fighting without any conditions or rules.

Sentence 15 of 22

But as the conflict dragged on, he started demanding a deal.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

But as the conflict dragged on

However, when the war continued for much longer than expected and became difficult.

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

started demanding

Began to ask forcefully for a specific outcome.

Part 4

a deal

A negotiated agreement or arrangement between the two sides.

Sentence 16 of 22

Both sides agreed to a ceasefire on April 8, but the U.S., which imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on April 12, failed to exact any meaningful concession from Iran.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Both sides

Referring to both the United States and Iran.

Part 2

agreed

Reached a mutual decision or consented to a plan.

Part 3

to a ceasefire

To a temporary stop in the fighting.

Part 4

on April 8

The date in 2026 when the ceasefire agreement was made.

Part 5

the U.S.

The United States.

Part 6

which imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on April 12

Which officially started stopping ships from entering or leaving Iran’s ocean ports a few days after the ceasefire.

Part 7

failed to exact

Was not able to force or get what it wanted from the other side.

Part 8

any meaningful concession from Iran

Any important point or goal that Iran gave up in the negotiation.

Sentence 17 of 22

Contrary to his rhetoric, he holds few strong cards in this war of attrition.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Contrary to his rhetoric

Opposite to the powerful and confident speeches he gives.

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

holds

Possesses or has available to use.

Part 4

few strong cards

Very few powerful advantages or options that could lead to victory.

Part 5

in this war of attrition

In this type of slow conflict where each side tries to weaken the other over a long time.

Sentence 18 of 22

If the crisis persists, it will inflict lasting damage on the U.S. and the global economy, potentially endangering Mr. Trump’s presidency.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

If the crisis persists

If the dangerous situation continues for a long time without a solution.

Part 2

Referring to the crisis or the current situation.

Part 3

will inflict

Will cause something very painful or damaging to happen.

Part 4

lasting damage on the U.S. and the global economy

Serious harm to the finances of the U.S. and the whole world that will not go away easily.

Part 5

potentially endangering Mr. Trump’s presidency

Possibly putting Donald Trump’s job as the President at risk of being lost.

Sentence 19 of 22

If he resumes the war, Tehran will retaliate by targeting Gulf kingdoms, which would be catastrophic for the global economy.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

If he resumes the war

If Trump starts the military fighting again after the current break.

Part 2

Tehran

The government of Iran.

Part 3

will retaliate

Will attack back in revenge for the U.S. action.

Part 4

by targeting Gulf kingdoms

By selecting oil-rich Arab countries like Saudi Arabia for military attacks.

Part 5

which would be catastrophic for the global economy

An event that would cause a complete and sudden disaster for the world’s money and trade system.

Sentence 20 of 22

Mr. Trump can continue his transactional diplomacy of pressuring partners to squeeze Iran, but he should know that Iran cannot be intimidated into submission through force.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump

Donald Trump.

Part 2

can continue

Has the permission or ability to keep doing an action.

Part 3

his transactional diplomacy of pressuring partners to squeeze Iran

His way of dealing with other countries like a business deal, by forcing allies to help him hurt Iran’s economy.

Part 4

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 5

should know

Needs to realize or be aware of a certain fact.

Part 6

that Iran cannot be intimidated into submission through force

That the country of Iran will not get scared and give up just because military power is used against them.

Sentence 21 of 22

By launching a war and failing to win it, he has already displayed the limits of American power in West Asia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

By launching a war and failing to win it

By starting a military conflict and then not being able to achieve a victory.

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

has already displayed

Has shown or made clear to the world before the current moment.

Part 4

the limits of American power in West Asia

The points where the U.S. military and political strength can no longer get what it wants in the Middle East.

Sentence 22 of 22

Instead of starting a new war that he cannot win, he should work with international partners to de-escalate the crisis.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Instead of starting a new war that he cannot win

Rather than beginning another military fight that is impossible for him to succeed in.

Part 2

Referring to Donald Trump.

Part 3

should work

Ought to take action or collaborate with others.

Part 4

with international partners

Together with other countries and world organizations.

Part 5

to de-escalate the crisis

In order to make the dangerous situation less intense and more peaceful.

Reading Comprehension

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Reading Comprehension - Operation Project Freedom

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about Trump's military operation in the Strait of Hormuz.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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Unwinnable war: On Donald Trump’s ‘Operation Project Freedom’

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension - Operation Project Freedom

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