As the war intensifies, Washington’s ultimate goal is unclear in what is emerging as one of the most consequential US military operations in the Middle East in two decades. President Donald Trump has alternated between different visions of victory and exit, while senior officials of have sent conflicting messages about the administration’s priorities. As the war intensifies, Washington’s ultimate goal is unclear in what is emerging as one of the most consequential US military operations in the Middle East in two decades. President Donald Trump has alternated between different visions of victory and exit, while senior officials of have sent conflicting messages about the administration’s priorities.