Hameini personally stepped in, making it clear that Iran is genuinely serious. But the U.S. side refuses to let go of high-enriched uranium enrichment. Both sides are using time to trade for leverage; it’s already the fourth month—let’s see who blinks first.

Rubio testified before Congress that the Trump administration would not trade the lifting of sanctions on Iran for the passage of the Strait of Hormuz, and any easing must be contingent on Iran abandoning its nuclear program. The core of the U.S. position is sanctions on high-enriched uranium enrichment and nuclear activities. As the conflict enters its fourth month, both parties in Congress continue to question the war strategy and the path to ending the conflict. Rubio stated that Iran has attempted to shield its nuclear program by strengthening conventional forces, and Khamenei is increasingly involved in negotiations.