Sources Say US and Iran Unlikely to Back Down, Middle East Conflict Could Protract

BlockBeats News, March 15th, According to Reuters, three sources familiar with the matter revealed that the Trump administration has rejected efforts by Middle Eastern allies to initiate diplomatic talks to end the Iran war. Two senior Iranian officials said that Iran, in turn, has rejected the possibility of any ceasefire before the U.S. stops its attacks and added that several countries have been trying to mediate an end to the conflict. Both Washington and Tehran lack interest, indicating that both sides are prepared for a protracted war, even as the escalating conflict has caused civilian casualties and Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a surge in oil prices.

The U.S. attack on Iran's main oil export hub on Kharg Island on Friday night highlighted Trump's determination to advance his military offensive. Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ebrahim Raisi, had previously vowed to block the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to escalate attacks on neighboring countries.