For almost a fortnight now, the United States has maintained a sustained and relentless campaign of bombings and aerial strikes against Iran and, in return, Iran has replied with missile and drone strikes on American bases in the region. The major escalation in violence between Iran and the US points to a very dangerous new phase in this war in the Middle East. The deep differences over the disposition of the Strait of Hormuz have sparked this latest wave of strikes. This new conflict is now spiraling out of control and could possibly become a much wider conflict in the region, spreading chaos all over the Middle East.

In spite of the escalating violence, surprisingly, both America and Iran are openly signaling a return to diplomacy and dialogue to bring an end to the present conditions. The days ahead will be watched carefully by all concerned. Will the USA and Iran continue the escalation, leading to an all-out wider war? Or will the backdoor diplomacy and mediation efforts by Pakistan result in silencing the guns and getting the belligerents around a conference table once again in Pakistan or Geneva? The period of the past fortnight witnessed a dramatic beating of the war drums and a steep escalation in the conflict........

© Pakistan Observer