Trump Promised

• The United States and Iran are entering a prolonged cycle of "grey zone" conflict characterized by calibrated confrontation rather than a definitive resolution. • Washington is currently employing a dual strategy of maintaining military pressure while simultaneously calling for renewed diplomatic negotiations. • This shift suggests that diplomacy is being used to manage the ongoing conflict and prevent total escalation rather than to achieve a lasting peace.

• Former President Donald Trump delivered a prime-time address making accusations of widespread election fraud without providing specific evidence. • The speech lacked supporting testimony or data from key figures like Tina Peters and Mike Lindell, relying instead on general claims of insecurity. • Critics argue these "mad ramblings" are detrimental because they undermine public trust in voting systems and the legitimacy of election outcomes.

• The United States and Iran are locked in a persistent "grey zone" conflict characterized by a cycle of military pressure and diplomatic overtures. • Despite Donald Trump's previous promises to avoid "forever wars," the current strategy suggests that diplomacy is being used to manage the conflict rather than resolve it. • This dynamic indicates a shift where negotiations serve as a tool for stability within a state of perpetual tension rather than a path toward a definitive peace agreement.

Negotiators from Iran travelled to Qatar on Monday, with the fate of the country’s nuclear programme and access to frozen assets under discussionMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe US has launched strikes on southern Iran in a test of the seven week-long ceasefire, as both sides played down hopes for an imminent peace deal even as negotiators from Tehran began new talks in Qatar.US forces targeted missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines, US central command (Centcom) said on Tuesday, but stressed that the strikes did not indicate the ceasefire with Iran was over. Continue reading...

It is clear among top officials in the Trump administration that the Israeli president overpromised in his pitch to the USMiddle East crisis – live updatesWhen Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, arrived at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on 29 December last year, he came with an ask – and a not so subtle inducement.After months of restocking air defence and other missiles after June’s 12-day conflict in which the US joined in to bomb Tehran’s nuclear facilities, Israel was ready to go again, this time with more substantial objectives. Continue reading...