Can Trump’s push for a deal with Iran turn a tactical pause into lasting peace? - World

The Trump administration is considering a diplomatic exit from its confrontation with Iran, despite officials claiming the US holds the upper hand. This shift comes after President Trump paused a naval operation aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting debate over whether Washington seeks a negotiated settlement or simply recalibrates pressure before renewed escalation. Vali Nasr, an Iranian-American scholar and professor at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, argues that the administration may be attempting to wind down the confrontation without achieving its stated objectives. Richard Haass, an American diplomat and former president of the Council on Foreign Relations, advocates for a phased approach focused on maritime stability, suggesting Iran should reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a shared waterway with oversight mechanisms. Senator Jack Reed has criticized the lack of clarity in US policy, highlighting inconsistencies in operational decisions and transparency concerns.