Global crisis brewing as Iran refuses to surrender in war with US — WP
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
Iran rejects attempts to find a diplomatic way out of the war initiated by the United States and Israel, a stance tied to its control over the Strait of Hormuz, The Washington Post reports.
Iranian and European diplomats, as well as an Arab official, said that instead of surrendering, Tehran is intensifying attacks on its neighbors.
Tehran is betting it can exacerbate global economic difficulties faster than the administration of US President Donald Trump can resolve them through military action.
Strait of Hormuz authority
Iran's refusal to surrender is tied to its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's fuel supplies pass.
According to an Iranian diplomat, by partially closing the Strait, Tehran aims to "make this aggression super expensive for the aggressors."
"We are alone against the biggest military superpower of the history," he said.
An Arab official and European diplomats noted that Iranian leaders view their ability to control the Strait and resist US-Israeli pressure as a short-term victory.
"As long as the regime is there, they can create terror in the region, they terrorize international markets with the oil and gas prices. Yes, that's what winning is for them. They don't feel any pressure to negotiate," one European Gulf-based diplomat told the outlet.
US powerless to overthrow Iran's government
Sources said that last week, officials from Qatar and Oman began contacting Iran about a possible ceasefire. They concluded that even overwhelming US-Israeli military power would not be able to topple the Iranian government in the near future.
Iran responded that it would only agree to negotiations if the United States and Israel cease attacks first.
"Iran would not be willing this time to stop attacks against US interests unless Washington could agree to a number of "nonaggression" guarantees, including monetary compensation for war-related damage," an Iranian diplomat said.
According to a European official with prior experience in Iran, a series of targeted killings of senior Iranian officials has also reduced Tehran's willingness to negotiate.
The official noted that the assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, in particular, undermined prospects for dialogue, as he possessed unique skills for negotiating with Western governments.
Also, Donald Trump has recently issued an ultimatum to Iran, threatening to strike Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not "fully opened" within 48 hours.
In response, Iran has warned it would plunge Gulf countries into darkness if the United States attacks Iranian power stations.
