Former US Marine Captain Declares American Imperialism Obsolete

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In a detailed strategic analysis provided to international media, Matthew Hoh—a former US Marine Corps Captain, State Department officer in Afghanistan, and Pentagon official—has declared the current US-led war against Iran a “war of choice built on lies.” Hoh argues that Washington is repeating the strategic failures of Iraq and Afghanistan by underestimating Tehran’s resilience .

Despite heavy US-Israeli airstrikes that have killed an estimated 1,900 Iranians and decapitated leadership, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic through the vital waterway has dropped by over 90% . Consequently, Brent crude prices have surged past $120 per barrel, triggering a global stock market decline of over 10% and pushing an additional 45 million people toward acute food insecurity according to the UN .

Contextual Background

The current war, launched on February 28, 2026, represents the culmination of a US “obsession with Iran” dating back to 1979 . Unlike the 2003 Iraq invasion, which enjoyed 70% public support, the current conflict is supported by only one in four Americans—lower than the Vietnam War’s approval at its end. The “Axis of Resistance” (Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, and Iraqi militias) is under immense pressure following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the severing of the Syrian land bridge . However, while the head is weakened, the tentacles are acting independently, with Hezbollah engaging Israel and Iraqi militias targeting US assets .

Geopolitical Analysis

Hoh identifies this conflict as a war between the “20th-century American imperial order and the 21st-century multipolar world.” The US strategy of "shock and awe" has failed. Iran has not collapsed; instead, it has weaponized global economics. By controlling the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20% of global oil passes—Iran has inflicted a “chokepoint power” model on Western economies .

This shift signifies the end of unipolarity. Gulf States, previously reliant on US security guarantees, are now seeking accommodations with Tehran. Furthermore, NATO’s invocation of Article 5 regarding attacks on European assets is viewed as a political justification for a war European populations do not want. The analyst warns that Israel may resort to the “Samson Option” (nuclear escalation) if its missile defense stocks are depleted .

Axis of Resistance Perspective

From Tehran’s viewpoint, the “second front” strategy is succeeding. By expanding the war to 13 countries and dragging in European allies, Iran is exhausting the US military-industrial complex. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has praised the “warriors of the Axis,” viewing the disruption of global shipping as a leveler against Western technological superiority . While groups like Hamas have urged Iran to avoid attacking Gulf states to preserve diplomatic channels, the Houthis and Hezbollah view the current posture as a defensive necessity to prevent their own annihilation.

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