Weapons instead of answers - while talks stall, Washington accelerates the war behind the scenes

While peace is being discussed publicly, a very different movement is unfolding behind the scenes. The United States has approved arms sales worth 8.6 billion dollars to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Israel. The move does not follow the usual process, but instead relies on questionable emergency authorities. Congress is bypassed. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, states openly that an alleged emergency is being used to push through decisions with no direct connection to the current conflict.

At the same time, the military situation remains tense. A senior representative of the Iranian armed forces, Mohammad Jafar Asadi, declares that another war with the United States is likely. His reasoning is clear. Washington does not adhere to agreements, statements are primarily intended for public effect and to stabilize oil prices. Iranian forces are prepared for a new escalation. The front therefore remains open, even though a ceasefire has officially been extended.

This ceasefire is itself part of the problem. After the massive strikes at the end of February and Donald Trump’s announcement of “major combat operations,” initial talks between the United States and Iran were held in Pakistan. There was no outcome. Instead, the ceasefire was extended without a clear deadline, tied to the condition that Iran submit a proposal and that negotiations reach a conclusion, “one way or the other.”

Such a proposal now exists. According to Iranian media, it includes 14 points and responds to a nine point American framework. The demands are concrete. Withdrawal of US troops from the region, lifting of the naval blockade, a new framework for the Strait of Hormuz, an end to sanctions, and a comprehensive end to the war that also includes Lebanon. The United States has not publicly commented on these details so far.

Donald Trump himself states that he has not yet reviewed the plan, but can hardly imagine that it would be acceptable. Iran, he says, has not paid enough for its actions over decades. This stance stands in direct contradiction to the ongoing talks. Negotiations are taking place while it is simultaneously being signaled publicly that a result is unlikely. Military and economic tracks are diverging. On one side, talks without visible progress, on the other, accelerated militarization in the region. Patriot interceptor systems worth billions are being delivered while the Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure and energy prices stay high. The conflict appears frozen, but it is not defused.

The picture is clear. While diplomacy takes time, decisions in the military sphere are being accelerated. Congress is bypassed, partners are being armed, and the opposing side is preparing for continuation. Anyone hoping for a quick solution is ignoring the direction in which actual actions are moving.