The armed conflict between the United States and Iran could last another six months.

Operativ Media reports that this opinion was expressed by Leon Panetta, who served as US Secretary of Defense in 2011-2013 and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in 2009-2011, in an interview with The Guardian.

According to Panetta, there is a possibility that the conflict will not be resolved within the next six months. He noted that the US and Iran are currently at a serious impasse, with limited options to end the war.

The former Pentagon chief believes that US President Donald Trump's administration risks becoming embroiled in a long-term war in the Middle East. Panetta expressed concern that Washington is heading toward another failed war, similar to those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In his view, Trump faces three possible options regarding the continuation of the conflict. The first option is to accept that the war has failed and halt military operations. Panetta considers this scenario unlikely.

The second option is to continue airstrikes without allowing escalation. According to the former secretary, this carries the risk of a prolonged conflict.

The third option is to eliminate Iran's main advantage by taking control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Notably, the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.

However, on the night of July 8, the US resumed large-scale strikes on the country, claiming that Iran had violated the terms of the agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Approximately 25 percent of global oil trade and about 20 percent of liquefied natural gas trade pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The US administration later signaled a transition from using large-scale military force against Iran to exerting economic pressure on the country through sanctions.