US PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s climb-down from his 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz should come as no surprise. His persistent inconsistency makes such reversals unsurprising. His claims of “very strong talks” with Iran have been firmly denied by Tehran. He extended the deadline by another five days, hoping Iran would yield. However, there is no indication that the Islamic Republic — having endured more than three weeks of devastating strikes by the US in coordination with Israel — is prepared to surrender.

Trump’s latest claim that the US and Iran are negotiating a “total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East” may have briefly eased international oil and gas prices. Still, it lacks plausibility given that hostilities have not ceased. Mere exchanges of messages between Tehran and Washington through a third country cannot be construed as serious negotiations.

Despite the decapitation of its leadership and widespread devastation, there is no indication that Iran is prepared to capitulate — contrary to what Trump’s statement suggests. Iran has also made it clear that it will not enter into negotiations unless the US administration agrees to a complete ceasefire. Trump’s claim about negotiations is viewed as an attempt to cover up US preparations for a possible ground operation.

While Trump announced a postponement of his deadline, more American troops were being deployed in the region. Israel continued to extend its war into Lebanon. There has certainly been an effort by some regional countries, including Pakistan, to push for peace talks. However, no breakthrough appears likely, given the wide gap in........

© Dawn