US-Iran Standoff Faces Two Diverging Paths Ahead

Efforts to resolve the US-Iran standoff are following two contrasting tracks. Pakistan and regional states are seeking to revive the Islamabad MoU, with Field Marshal Asim Munir’s Tehran visit reaffirming Iran’s commitment despite deep distrust of Washington. Meanwhile, the US has intensified economic pressure through fresh sanctions. Analysts argue the measures could harden Iran’s position rather than encourage compromise, while major trading partners, particularly China, may resist Washington’s pressure.