Humanity would exist in a violent ‘state of war’ where everyone is pitted against everyone else. Thomas Hobbes.

The collapse of the Islamabad MoU is viewed from different perspectives: the intransigence of the IRGC; the reluctance of Iran to relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz for free marine traffic, in violation of its obligation as provided in the MoU; the power tussle between the IRGC and the civilian leadership, wasting the 60-day interregnum for a permanent deal and the cessation of war; and the Western world, biased as it is against Iran, blaming the current escalation on Iran with the tacit support of the Gulf States.

However, there is also no dearth of analysts in Pakistan or elsewhere to toe the above line of argument and hold Iran – particularly the IRGC – responsible for the escalation. Most of the experts and analysts are carried away by their pre-war conceptions about the countries involved in the conflict or their ideological and spiritual beliefs. Some view the issue through a legalist prism, and some go with the rash, impetuous, and self-serving interpretation of the MoU by President Trump. Everyone knows that the King is naked, but no one dares to tell him.

The MoU was signed as a roadmap for the completion of the immediate tasks, including the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz for marine traffic to save the global economy from further losses. The document covers all the important issues, such as the opening of the Strait of Hormuz; the release of Iran's frozen assets; sanctions relief for Iran; the funds for the........

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