Washington: The United States and Iran are showing signs of preparing to step back from their ongoing conflict, as mounting economic costs, military fatigue, and geopolitical pressures push both sides toward a possible exit from the war.
The war, which began on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has inflicted widespread damage and triggered instability across West Asia. Washington is expected to project the outcome as a strategic victory, claiming it has severely degraded Iran’s nuclear programme, weakened its armed forces, and eliminated key elements of its leadership.
On the other hand, Iran has suffered extensive destruction due to sustained aerial bombardment and economic isolation. Reports indicate that rebuilding the country could take years—possibly over a decade—depending on whether sanctions are lifted.
The first round of talks in Islamabad failed on grounds of lack of commitment from Iran on not to seek a nuclear weapon. But Iran has signed the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a non-nuclear weapon state earlier. It has also given a written assurance of not developing a nuclear weapon under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). So, according to a report in HT, Iran does not have the capacity to develop a nuclear weapon after its nuclear sites were reduced to rubble during the US and Israel bombings.
Despite the absence of a formal peace agreement, both nations appear increasingly inclined toward de-escalation. The prolonged conflict has strained resources on both sides, while global economic repercussions—especially disruptions in oil trade and shipping routes—have added urgency to calls for ending hostilities.
Pakistan, which has played a key mediating role by hosting talks between the two sides, is likely to emerge as a significant diplomatic beneficiary if peace efforts succeed. Its involvement in facilitating negotiations has elevated its geopolitical relevance, positioning it to gain what analysts describe as a “peace bonus” in the region.
Israel’s military campaign against Iran-backed groups, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon, has further weakened Tehran’s strategic influence, altering the balance of power in the Middle East.
While tensions remain high and key disagreements unresolved—particularly over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and control of critical trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz—there is growing international momentum toward renewed negotiations.
