Washington: Despite a US-Iran memorandum that opened a 60-day diplomatic window, missile exchanges and maritime threats suggest the negotiations are faltering under growing military pressure. According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Mary Kissel discussed the ongoing tensions with Iran, emphasizing that the focus must remain on Iran's nuclear ambitions. Kissel highlighted that the recent military developments are consistent with Iran's historical behavior, likening it to tactics used by Communist China, and stressed the need for the United States to consider whether Tehran can be trusted as a diplomatic partner. Kissel articulated that the strategic goal of the United States is clear: the prevention of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. She cited Iran's past actions, including striking civilian facilities in the Gulf and developing ballistic missiles, as evidence of the threat posed by the regime. Kissel expressed skepticism about the reliability of Tehran as a negotiating p artner, pointing out that Iran has broken multiple cease-fire promises in the past. She further discussed Iran's attempts to leverage military pressure for political gains in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that while Iran may aim to exert control over this critical waterway, the markets suggest that this strategy may not succeed in the long term. Kissel indicated that alternative energy routes and the potential for increased American energy production could diminish Iran's leverage. Additionally, Kissel warned against allowing Iran to shift the focus of negotiations solely to maritime security issues, underscoring the importance of keeping Iran's nuclear program at the center of diplomatic efforts. She highlighted the broader geopolitical context, describing it as a contest between two different visions of how the world should function, involving a Russia-China-Iran axis against the United States and its allies. As the United States continues to outline its diplomatic strategy, Kissel emphasized the importan ce of engaging regional partners and maintaining firm red lines, particularly regarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. She also addressed the limitations of diplomacy in providing security guarantees without achieving definitive victory over hostile actions by Iran and its allies. Kissel concluded by outlining key areas of focus for observers in the coming days, including the verification of Iran's nuclear program dismantlement, Washington's tolerance for Iranian aggression, and the dynamics of global energy markets. She also called attention to the plight of the Iranian people, advocating for international support of their aspirations for freedom and reform. Kissel acknowledged the uncertainty of the region's future but stressed the necessity of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran.
