Iran War: The Biscuit Is Still Very Much in the Fire

The conflict began in February, when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. A June agreement halted much of the large-scale fighting, but the arrangement subsequently broke down amid accusations of violations by both sides.

Now Washington and Tehran are trying to figure out what comes next. Mediators have been working on a deal involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and restrictions on Iran's nuclear program. So far, major disagreements remain.

Meanwhile, the United States continues to maintain significant military forces in the region. Reuters reports that the USS George Washington is operating near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran is preparing for a potentially broader response should major U.S. attacks resume.

Sources continue to claim the war could end soon, while diplomatic efforts stall. Senior U.S. national-security officials even held a private meeting at Camp David this week to discuss Iran and the wider regional conflict.

For ordinary humans, the consequences extend well beyond the battlefield. Iran's currency has fallen to record lows amid sanctions and the economic disruption caused by the conflict, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern for global energy and shipping markets.

Harold's assessment: The fighting may be quieter than it was earlier this year, but nobody should mistake quiet for resolved. The humans are still negotiating, threatening, deploying ships and generally refusing to settle things with a sensible game of tug-of-war.

Harold Howl III is The Indogpendent's junior international correspondent. He has covered several global crises, although most involved squirrels.