Despite the public war of words between Trump and Tehran, their saber-rattling had for the moment, given way to renewed efforts at negotiation. Yet despite Trump’s reputation as a deal maker, no agreement has materialized and the talks with Iran have broken off. Sources reveal that ‘unofficial’ clandestine negotiations continue, a stalling tactic Tehran has historically shown skill in exploiting. In the meantime, pressure on the Trump administration continues to mount at home and abroad to resolve the conflict.

Critics of Trump’s conduct of the war warn that he risks appearing inconsistent or indecisive in the face of Iranian stalling tactics. Others argue that Iran’s strategy is precisely to stretch diplomacy until political costs accumulate for Washington, regardless of who occupies the White House. The result is a familiar cycle:........

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