Pakistan, backed by China, has taken the initiative to end the war against Iran. Over the weekend, Pakistan hosted Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia to come up with a framework that may be acceptable to both the US and Iran. Iran’s “weapon” has shifted from its nuclear arsenal to controlling the Strait of Hormuz. With oil prices rising beyond $100 per barrel, and no end in sight to the war even after over 60 days, political considerations have taken over for the US. Trump has said that the war will be over “soon,” and even a deal may not be necessary. This echoes the Iranian side, which has said that the US is not to be trusted in negotiations – and it is demonstrating military might to forestall any future attacks.
