Securing a fragile peace in the Iran war can be more readily understood through the lens of Carl von Clausewitz, who conceptualised war and peace as part of a continuous political process rather than separate conditions. From his perspective, the current ceasefire is not a definitive end to hostilities but a recalibration of strategy by both sides. Peace, in this sense, emerges when the use of force no longer serves the political objectives of the actors involved. For both Iran and the US, the continuation of war carries escalating economic, military and reputational costs without guaranteeing decisive outcomes. Thus, the shift toward de-escalation reflects a rational reassessment of means and ends. However, because this peace is rooted in cost-benefit calculations, regionally and internationally, rather than genuine resolution of disputes - such as nuclear ambitions, sanctions and regional influence - it remains inherently unstable. Clausewitz would describe this as a peace in making, where conflict is suspended but underlying hostility persists.

The fragility........

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