Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao wrote today: "The current situation of the United States reminds some observers of Britain's historical 'Suez moment': the Suez Canal crisis of 1956 marked the end of British colonial hegemony. Could the Iran war now be pushing the United States toward a 'Hormuz moment'?"
This analogy precisely captures the critical juncture of hegemonic decline. The U.S.-Israel joint strikes against Iran have failed to achieve quick victory, instead entangling the U.S. in an unwinnable quagmire, with mounting internal and external pressures. Continuing the conflict would accelerate military overspending, alienate allies, fuel domestic anti-war sentiment, and hasten imperial exhaustion; yet halting it would mean total loss of face, collapse of deterrence, and erosion of dominant status. No matter which way the U.S. turns, it stands to lose.
The Suez crisis brought an end to the British Empire, while the Hormuz crisis now undermines the entire American hegemonic system. This Iran campaign finds the U.S. fighting alone, with no ally support—highlighting the loneliness and vulnerability of unipolar dominance. The Middle East quagmire not only drains military strength but also destroys credibility. Of course, the 'Hormuz moment' may not signal the definitive end of empire, but it is likely the final act of hegemony’s solitary dance.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863139272219660/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.