The United States says diplomacy with Iran remains possible while the military continues to conduct nightly air strikes against targets in Iran [1, 2].
This dual approach of military escalation and diplomatic openness creates a volatile environment in the Middle East. The strategy suggests the U.S. is attempting to leverage military pressure to force a more favorable negotiation outcome from Tehran.
President Donald Trump (R-US) said a deal is still possible [2]. These statements come as the U.S. military maintains its aerial campaign. Reports on the duration of the current wave of attacks vary among international monitors. Al Jazeera English reported the operations had reached their ninth consecutive night [1], while Euronews reported it was the third straight night [2].
U.S. officials said diplomatic channels remain open despite the ongoing kinetic activity. However, the path to a formal agreement remains obstructed by deep-seated friction between the two nations. The military actions are occurring even as the administration signals a willingness to return to the bargaining table.
Sina Azodi said trust has become the biggest obstacle to renewed negotiations [1]. This lack of trust from Tehran is cited as the primary barrier preventing the two sides from reaching a sustainable diplomatic resolution.
The U.S. has not specified the exact nature of the targets hit during these nightly raids. The administration continues to balance the use of force with the public assertion that a negotiated settlement is the ultimate goal, a tactic intended to keep options open while demonstrating military resolve.
“"A deal is still possible."”
The U.S. is employing a 'maximum pressure' strategy by combining active military strikes with the promise of diplomatic relief. By maintaining that a deal is possible while simultaneously attacking targets, the administration seeks to degrade Iranian capabilities and morale to secure concessions. The discrepancy in reported strike durations highlights the fog of war and the difficulty of tracking real-time military operations in the region.
