Middle East analyst Luciano Zaccara said that despite ongoing mediation, Iran
and the US appear unwilling to return to negotiations. He said both sides have
declared they will retaliate if attacked, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of
reprisals with no end in sight. Zaccara added that stepped-up sanctions and a
maritime blockade appear insufficient to achieve Trump's aim of strangling
Iran's economy, and that direct attacks on vessels and oil facilities have also
become an additional pressure tool.
