Uncertainty around Iran conflict

LATEST developments indicate military engagement between the United States and Iran might not resume but the conflict might turn into a cold war. In a significant development, President Donald Trump argued on Friday that a ceasefire with Iran had “terminated” hostilities, as he sought to bolster his argument that he did not need lawmakers’ permission to continue the conflict. There are also reports about possible final blow against Iran, prompting stern warning from Tehran that it would respond with “long and painful strikes” on US positions if Washington renewed attacks and also reasserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz, complicating US plans for a coalition to reopen the waterway. It is, however, encouraging that rhetoric notwithstanding neither the United States nor Iran was disengaging from the diplomatic process being facilitated by Pakistan to arrive at an amicable settlement of the issues involved. Iran submitted a proposal envisaging formal end of hostilities and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz but delaying discussions on its nuclear programme citing complexity of the nuclear issue. However, the proposal did not find favour with Washington and Iran transmitted a revised plan through mediator Pakistan. No details were provided by any stakeholder but President Trump said the revised proposal also did not meet his expectations as he wants Iran to commit itself to nuclear non-proliferation in a bid to ward off future threats to the security of the United States. Axios news site reported that one plan to be shared with Trump during a briefing by top U.S. military leaders that was scheduled for Thursday involved using ground forces to take over part of the strait to reopen it to commercial shipping. Officials have said Trump is also considering extending the US blockade ⁠or declaring a unilateral victory, an indication of the desire to formally end the military action. This change in thinking comes following reports the United States wanted to achieve its