The U.S.-Iran standoff is entering a tense new phase, with diplomacy facing major obstacles and the threat of further confrontation still looming. As domestic pressure to end the conflict increases, U.S. President Donald Trump continues to promise an end to what has repeatedly been called a war of choice.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon is planning on reducing senior positions, creating a plausible risk to continuity and decision-making. Former Senior Pentagon Official Jason Dempsey says, “any time you say you’re going to scuttle experience and expertise, yeah, it can make you move faster – it can also help you move dumber.” As Washington maintains pressure on Tehran, Reggie Cecchini reports that Iranian officials signal they are prepared to respond.