Trump's blockade emboldens Iran to fight back.
Trump's idea for a time-out is to leave the naval blockade in place and pile on the sanctions. Iran should probably sit quietly through it.
Qatari proposals to revive the talks fell apart. Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains closed until its seven conditions are met, including the end of the US blockade. A senior Iranian adviser warned that helping to enforce the blockade would be considered an act of war.
Read Pepe Escobar's full column in our Substack for the way out China and Russia could still offer Trump, and why the ceasefire may not last.
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