“Iran created Frankenstein. The P.M.F. was designed as an instrument of Iranian power projection, but it has developed its own interests, economy, and political identity.”

“Pakistan is the only neighbour which could play a mediatory role to end the conflict due to the fact that it has not been attacked by Iran.”

“Trump’s claims of ‘major points of agreement’ were immediately dismissed by Tehran as ‘fake news.'”

“Iran, with 35 years of preparation and a strategy calibrated to outlast rather than outgun, may be winning the war.”

“Iran’s regional power and political influence greatly expanded after its nemesis was removed in 2003, with implications that are all too obvious today.”

“This war, intended to weaken Iran, has in crucial ways strengthened it.”

“Trump will at some point declare that his Iran mission is accomplished, but it likely won’t be because the United States has achieved its political goals.”

“Iran has surely been hammered by air strikes, and lost its navy and air force, but Iran as a whole continues to defend itself.”

“Pakistan has unusual credibility as a mediator, maintaining workable ties with both Washington and Tehran.”

“Iran is no longer signaling restraint. It is signaling reach, and doing so under live warfighting conditions.”