The sixth month active war between U.S., Israel and Iran had paused, but post the anticipated failure of Economic Outcast strategy, U.S. and Iran have reverted to attacking each other. However, war by other means also continues. All of this has left U.S. unipolar status challenged, Israel on the back foot, and Iran, despite being burnt and bruised, squarely back in the game. Pakistan and Qatar continue with mediating attempts, having had the green both from U.S. and Iran.

The recent pitch by the U.S. to squeeze Iran economically may hurt Iran more than it cares to admit. Iranian leaders have acknowledged that foreign trade has shrunk by a third due to American sanctions and blockade, but are still not ready to buckle under the pressure. Iran needs the deal desperately but it is not ready for the kind of surrender Trump is looking for. The humiliation and capitulation it wants to inflict on Iran will not be achieved through the “Economic Outcast Strategy” laid out by Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary.

What was supposed to be a short military campaign and excursion as per Donald Trump, has mitigated into global economic pain through the weaponization of the right of free navigation. Mediation remains on the table but every warring party wants it on its own terms; not allowing a middle ground win-win to emerge. Even the White House continues to talk of an endgame, but the path........

© Pakistan Observer