Iranian political scientist: Now in Iran everyone understands that the US did not seek a settlement
The US-Iran conflict has escalated again, with continued missile and drone strikes. Washington threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran accuses the US of trying to bargain for better terms in negotiations.
The confrontation between the US and Iran has again entered an active phase. After unsuccessful talks, mutual missile and drone strikes are taking place. The US Central Command has stated that attacks on Iran have been carried out for the third consecutive day. US President Donald Trump emphasized that US missile stocks are now fuller than ever and that these strikes will prompt Tehran to return to the negotiating table.
Trump claimed that they have almost destroyed Iran's armed forces and are conducting very powerful strikes. He said that a day or two ago there was already an agreement, but Iran rejected it, finding something unacceptable in it. Washington continues operations, striking and destroying all Iranian capabilities related to the Strait of Hormuz, and hopes to eventually gain full control of the situation.
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched drones and missiles against US bases in Jordan and Bahrain. The Corps also reported hitting two commercial vessels that attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz with transponders off and bypassing the Iran-approved route.
On the streets of Tehran, passersby say authorities should close the strait. Experts explain that this is Iran's only leverage in negotiations.
Iranian political scientist Mostafa Khoshcheshm noted that there were different views in Iran – some believed that an agreement could be reached with the US, thereby resolving the conflict. Supporters of this approach hoped for the lifting of sanctions and normalization of the situation, or at least de-escalation. However, it eventually became clear that no de-escalation occurred and that the US was not seeking a settlement but a policy of containing Iran.
The announced US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is set to begin on July 15 at 11 a.m. Estonian time. Iran has not yet announced plans to close the strait.
