The U.S. military’s bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities marked a decisive turning point in the already tense trajectory of Tehran-Washington relations. What American officials initially described as a “limited and targeted response” quickly escalated into a new phase of overt confrontation, one that not only shattered previous deterrence norms but also dramatically increased the likelihood of the two countries entering a cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation.

Now, weeks after the operation and amid a fragile ceasefire, there is still no clear sign of a real policy reversal from the White House. The Trump administration continues to double down on its strategy of “maximum pressure” and power projection, as if containing Iran can only be achieved through threats and destruction. These developments cast doubt on recent decision-making in Washington and suggest that the U.S. has entered a volatile phase in which the line between deterrence and escalation is more fragile than ever. In this context, the critical question is: Does the United States still seek a political solution, or has it truly crossed red lines once considered untouchable?

Donald Trump, the former president of the........

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