Former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter asserts the United States has effectively lost its strategic objectives regarding Iran. Ritter frames this failure as exemplified by the “Hormuz Effect,” referencing the geopolitical importance of the Strait of Hormuz. He contends that despite official messaging, the US has not achieved a favorable outcome in its dealings with Iran. The analysis suggests a disconnect between the perceived reality presented to the American public and the actual strategic situation. Ritter’s assessment points to a decline in American influence and a failure to contain Iranian power in the region. The article, published on RT.com, frames this as a symbolic representation of a broader decline of the “American dream.” Further details of Ritter’s analysis are available in the full article.