Three parties are losing this war—Israel, America, and Iran—but none will admit defeat. Israel is battered by an ongoing conflict. America faces mounting war fatigue. Iran is devastated by strikes and economic fallout. All three continue forward, unwilling to find an exit. The real crisis is not just the fighting, but the lack of a clear path to end it.

After sustained U.S.-Israeli strikes on its nuclear and military sites, Iran struck back, targeting American and Israeli bases and closing the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran publicly demands a ceasefire and reparations but quietly negotiates through Pakistani intermediaries for acceptable terms without capitulation.

Pakistan now serves as the main mediator for the April 11 talks in Islamabad, maintaining daily contact with both Washington and Tehran. The U.S. has proposed a 15-point ceasefire framework, while Iran has replied with five specific conditions. The main disagreement remains control over the Strait of Hormuz: the U.S. insists on immediate, unconditional reopening, while Iran demands formal control and the right to collect tolls. No progress has been made on this point.

Israel pushes on. Its goal is the total elimination of Iran's nuclear and missile programmes. Despite tough fronts with Hezbollah and the Houthis, Israeli leaders seek a final "short, powerful" ground push before any deal. Domestic support wanes. Polls drop. The........

© The Friday Times