A veteran diplomat breaks down the Iran war

The six-week conflict between the United States and Iran has reached a volatile impasse following the failure of recent negotiations in Pakistan and President Trump’s announcement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Veteran diplomat Aaron David Miller argues that the lack of a structured diplomatic framework, combined with the administration's disregard for geographical and historical realities, has left the U.S. trapped in a "war of choice" without a clear exit strategy. While the blockade aims to pressure Iran by restricting oil exports, it risks further destabilizing the region and damaging the global economy, particularly as shipping insurers and international allies remain wary of the escalating risks. Ultimately, the absence of a cohesive national security decision-making process has exacerbated the crisis, leaving the U.S. struggling to reconcile its aggressive military posture with the complex geopolitical realities of the Middle East.