Image: US–Iran backchannel: Steve Witkoff (right) and Abbas Araghchi (left) amid rising pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (AP Photos: Stringer; Mark Schiefelbein).

The war between the United States and Iran is approaching a decisive crossroads. While mediators are working to prevent further escalation, the US president has extended the ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by an additional 20 hours.

At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear that diplomatic efforts are unfolding alongside distinct strategic signaling. Yesterday afternoon (US time), The Wall Street Journal reported that China had closed airspace near Shanghai for 40 days, starting March 27. On the same day, a joint China–Pakistan naval exercise began (March 27–April 2),........

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