DID Press: Pakistani analyst Zahid Hussain says recent U.S. claims of negotiating with Iran are largely a media tactic rather than genuine diplomacy. While Washington has promoted the idea of “strong negotiations” with Tehran, Iran has categorically rejected any direct or indirect talks until a complete ceasefire is established.
Hussain highlights that the U.S. three-week campaign to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial artery for 20% of global oil shipments—has so far failed. He notes that despite American and Israeli efforts to weaken Iran’s military capabilities, Iranian drone and missile strikes on U.S. bases, as well as attacks near Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility, demonstrate the country’s continued deterrence capacity.
The analyst cautions against overestimating Pakistan’s role as a mediator. Although Islamabad maintains close contacts with both Washington and Tehran, Hussain argues the deep strategic gap between the two capitals cannot be bridged by simple diplomatic channels. “Negotiation under the shadow of war carries little meaning,” he says.
Hussain concludes that Trump’s repeated statements about resolving the conflict are primarily aimed at shaping public perception, creating a façade of diplomacy, and potentially covering preparations for a ground operation. According to him, the messages are more propaganda than a reflection of any actual political breakthrough, and they serve to mask operational and strategic weaknesses of the U.S.-Israeli coalition in the region.
The analyst warns that the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could have economic and geopolitical consequences far beyond those seen in the 1970s oil crises, emphasizing that the situation remains volatile and that public statements from Washington should be viewed critically.