In the war initiated by the US and Israeli regimes, the initiative currently lies with Iran. Over the past month, the conflict has not moved toward resolution but instead toward escalation. The US and Israeli leadership had hoped to eliminate Iran's leadership and collapse its political system, but this failed to materialize, leading to a protracted war.

In recent days, US President Donald Trump has made numerous statements claiming that "very good negotiations are underway with Iran" and that a deal is "close." However, Iranian officials have firmly denied these assertions, stating that "no negotiations are being held with the US" and that "Iran will continue the war." These contradictory claims have confused the international community and experts.

Sources indicate that contacts between the US and Iran exist, facilitated by intermediaries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt. The US has presented Iran with a 15-point list of demands, including transferring enriched uranium to the IAEA, declaring the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf as free trade zones, and abandoning its missile program. Iran has rejected these conditions.

In turn, Iran has issued its own demands to the US, including closing all US bases in the Middle East, lifting all sanctions, compensating for war damages, and not attacking Hezbollah. The US regime has labeled these demands as "unrealistic." Iran has also emphasized that its missile program is non-negotiable.

Iran's reluctance to engage in talks stems partly from leadership changes: after the assassination of Supreme Leader Khamenei, the new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may not have full control. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has gained strength and taken over political and military initiatives. In this context, Iran maintains the upper hand in the war, exerting economic, military, and political pressure on the US and Western regimes. The longer the war persists, the more precarious Trump's political situation becomes and the more strained the economic conditions in Western countries.

Paradoxically, for Iran to end the war and achieve victory, it must continue pressure and combat operations. This suggests the war will not cease soon, and escalation is likely to intensify. Negotiation prospects remain unclear due to the rigid stances of both sides, with no immediate breakthrough in sight.

Source: kun.uz