Trump resorts to the same old tactics—will Iran fall for it again? Two key signals have emerged! On July 27, U.S. President Trump stated he has decided to suspend U.S. airstrikes against Iran in order to pursue another round of negotiations. However, if diplomatic efforts fail, he may authorize an expansion of military operations.
According to U.S. media reports, the current focus of talks between the U.S. and Iran is on reaching a new agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart comprehensive nuclear deal negotiations. These discussions are primarily taking place between Iran and Oman. Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, as well as Trump’s special envoys Witkoff and Kushner, are also actively involved. Nevertheless, Iran emphasized yesterday that these ongoing talks are solely about managing the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, and have no relation whatsoever to the United States. Iran currently has not engaged in any form of negotiation with the U.S. In fact, the world knows full well that Iran's statement is somewhat disingenuous.
How could Oman possibly negotiate independently on the management rights of the Strait of Hormuz? It couldn't withstand even one warning or sanction from the United States. Therefore, Oman is effectively acting on behalf of the U.S. in talks with Iran—though Iran refuses to admit this openly. After all, it would be too embarrassing to appear willing to negotiate directly with the U.S. again so easily. Why should the U.S. get to dictate when to attack and when to talk?
Yet, the reality is exactly this: the U.S. has absolutely no intention of showing Iran any respect. Negotiations are mandatory—whether Iran likes it or not. If they don’t talk, U.S. military strikes will continue. Meanwhile, Iran dares not completely break ties with the U.S. and engage in a full-scale confrontation. Thus, at present, as soon as Iran engages in de facto negotiations with the U.S., it is seen as yielding and falling into a trap. Because Iran has already effectively stopped fighting, and this ceasefire was initiated unilaterally by the U.S. When U.S. forces halt their attacks—possibly due to ammunition shortages—and Iran follows suit, this is clearly a sign of hesitation and weakness.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871913893070931/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author