Kathmandu— The recent setbacks faced by the United States in its conflict with Iran have significant implications for global power dynamics, particularly regarding future conflicts with China over Taiwan and Russia's ongoing operations in Ukraine. According to experts, these defeats highlight the limitations of U.S. military capabilities and suggest a shift towards economic warfare as the primary tool for exerting influence. The Pentagon has already announced plans to reduce its presence in the Middle East due to vulnerabilities exposed by Iran’s missile capabilities.

Military Retreat from the Middle East

The U.S. military's inability to defend its bases against Iranian missiles has led to a strategic retreat from the region, with the Pentagon planning to reduce its footprint in the Middle East. This move is seen as a response to the vulnerabilities exposed during the conflict and an acknowledgment of the need for a more cautious approach to regional engagements.

Eurasian Alliance's Growing Influence

The Eurasian alliance, comprising China, Russia, and Iran, has been steadily increasing its military capabilities. According to expert Brian Berletic, there are indications that North Korea is supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, which could be part of a broader strategy by China to push back against U.S. wars and proxy conflicts. This alliance's strength in areas such as rare earth minerals and space technology further underscores the shift in global military power.

Economic Warfare as the New Front

With limited options for direct military engagement, economic warfare has become a key strategy for the U.S. President Trump is expected to rely on tariffs and sanctions, but these measures have proven ineffective against China's retaliatory capabilities in rare earth minerals. The potential for an economic backlash from BRICS countries could lead to significant disruptions in global financial systems.

Moral Authority and Public Perception

The U.S.'s moral authority has been severely damaged by its actions in Iran and Gaza, where the conflict with Israel has resulted in widespread humanitarian crises. The international community's condemnation of these actions highlights a growing disconnect between U.S. foreign policy and global public opinion.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

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Originally published on abcnews.com.np.