On March 15, Reuters reported that the Trump administration has rejected mediation proposals from Middle Eastern countries such as Oman and Egypt, and will not initiate U.S.-Iran dialogue for now. The White House stated that the current focus remains on sustained military operations to weaken related military capabilities, and the timing for negotiations is not yet ripe. Iran has also clearly stated that it will not consider a ceasefire before U.S.-Israel airstrikes stop. Both sides have taken a hard line, temporarily closing the door to dialogue, and regional tensions continue to escalate. Since the conflict escalated on February 28, there have been significant casualties, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has been blocked, and global energy supply has been significantly impacted, posing a serious test to regional stability.
Both the U.S. and Iran have temporarily closed the door to talks, not out of impulse, but as a strategic choice under the current situation. Looking back at recent regional conflicts, countries often first use military actions to gain leverage before returning to the negotiation table depending on the circumstances. The active mediation efforts by many Middle Eastern countries with little progress also indicate that both sides want to secure a more favorable position first. The blockage of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and volatility in the energy market have already placed pressure on the global economy. This standoff is unlikely to cool down in the short term, and the risk of long-term escalation is increasing. This also reminds us that regional peace cannot rely solely on one side's concessions; only by truly returning to dialogue and consultation can we prevent the situation from further deteriorating, which is also the direction most hoped for by the international community.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859682725766152/
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