Iran-US Conflict Enters Endless Cycle of Economic Pressure and Political Will

The 60-day deadline set by Donald Trump for a broader settlement between the US and Iran has expired, but the war does not appear to be ending. Instead, both sides are locked in an indefinite contest of economic pressure and political will.

According to The New York Times, there have been no publicly reported US strikes on Iranian targets since late July, but the military lull masks the effective collapse of the June memorandum of understanding. The Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted, US sanctions on Iranian oil have returned, and Washington has reinstated its naval blockade.

The June agreement envisioned negotiations towards a broader settlement within 60 days, but White House officials are aware that Monday's deadline will pass without such an agreement. Iran no longer considers the deadline relevant, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that 'we did not have a ceasefire that now needs to be extended.'

The dispute over Hormuz has become a major stumbling block, with Iran interpreting language in the June agreement as giving it authority over shipping through the waterway. Tehran subsequently attacked vessels traveling through channels outside Iranian waters, prompting US strikes on southern Iran.