THE continuity of negotiations between Iran and the US generates optimism about a permanent peace. However, significant differences remain between Tehran and Washington, which hinder the formulation of a peace deal. Besides, Israel has been struggling to spoil the peace process in the region. Notwithstanding President Donald Trump’s announcement to end the blockade, the US forces are obstructing the movement of Iranian commercial vessels. They had disabled five commercial vessels and redirected 116 to fully enforce the blockade. Simultaneously, Iran is asserting its control over the Strait of Hormuz by issuing warnings to commercial and military vessels to comply with regulations. Moreover, both sides are maintaining threatening rhetoric to prove that they are prepared for a war. The leadership’s war rhetoric and minor skirmishes between Iranian and American forces raise concerns about the probability of escalation and the end of the ceasefire.

President Trump is struggling to prove that he was successful in coercing the Iranian leadership to accept his terms and conditions for a permanent peace in the Middle East. Conversely, the Iranian negotiators seem in no hurry despite Tehran’s urgent need for economic breathing space and relief from the mounting pressure of the........

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