THE war has escalated and involved other regional countries. The dynamic is becoming more horrendous and disastrous. President Putin is trying to mediate between the three, but Iran rejects. Europe cannot support an endless war, said German Chancellor Merz. The endless war! Plan A has failed; Plan B is a non-starter. President Trump is demanding surrender from Iranian forces, whereas ground realities are quite different. Iran has totally rejected this and vows to continue the fight. It is the second week.

This reflects desperation in Washington. The strikes on refineries and water facilities will not only create a colossal economic impact but also cause human suffering. The financial impact, both regionally and globally, is visible. Yet, President Trump, in a recent interview, stated that operations of Epic Fury are going well. His critics laughed, while supporters search for answers—they do not see an end coming. On the ground, the death of the Ayatollah has cemented national unity; the nation has become more united and radical. The Trump hypothesis—that the regime would collapse after the death of the Ayatollah Khomeini—has met its end. Infrastructure can be destroyed, but not the soul of the nation.

There is total confusion in Washington after the failure of Plan A, with people fleeing Dubai and Abu Dhabi at any cost. Rebuilding trust for business and investors will take years. It is time for Pakistan to open Gwadar and Karachi duty-free for ten years, as Karachi has long been a........

© Pakistan Observer