There is little choice for the United States and Iran other than to make a deal. The unspoken truth since the war began, this remains more the case in the closing five days of the ceasefire.
For the US, the first round of talks in Islamabad, despite their marathon duration, seemed a concerted performance aimed at bolstering US leverage. The blockade of Iranian ports followed so swiftly, the White House likely had this escalation already in mind. It will take time to fully realize the economic pain the blockade seeks to bring on Iran, but even 60% effectiveness will heap further ruin on Tehran’s economy, and its allies, like China, dependent on its oil.
The likelihood of success in a second round of talks…