War on Iran: Is escalation more likely than a deal?

Two former diplomats with direct experience in negotiations involving Iran say the current confrontation is more likely to intensify than to move toward a negotiated resolution. Hossein Mousavian, who formerly represented Iran, and Alan Eyre, a former U.S. diplomat, told host Steve Clemons that escalation appears the probable near-term outcome. Mousavian challenged the U.S. public narrative that the confrontation centers on nuclear issues alone, asserting that Iran's leadership does not accept the stated separation between nuclear concerns and strategic or economic motives such as oil. That skepticism, he argued, shapes Tehran's response to U.S. actions and rhetoric. Both Mousavian and Eyre rejected the idea that the conflict is heading for a peace deal or even settling into a long-term stalemate anytime soon. Their joint assessment points to a deteriorating security environment in the coming weeks rather than diplomatic thawing. Eyre additionally criticized the Trump administration's approach, saying it favors rapid tactical gains over patient diplomacy. He contended that responsibility for reducing tensions should fall more on regional governments, with the United States providing support or endorsement rather than leading the process directly.