Negar Mortazavi, senior fellow at the International Policy Center, said the
U.S.-Iran confrontation appears to be escalating toward hot conflict and that
the memorandum of understanding has not been honored. From Iran's perspective
the U.S. has breached multiple terms. Mortazavi warned the unfolding conflict
will be 'painful' for Iran — a maritime blockade would inflict an economic shock
— and would also be 'painful' for the U.S.; any clash in the Strait of Hormuz
would disrupt global markets and increase political pressure on President Trump.
