Trump’s 60-day Iran deadline expires. The war goes on

Donald Trump's 60-day deadline for Iran to reach a broader settlement expired on August 17, but the war between the two countries continues. The New York Times reports that neither side is prepared to make the necessary concessions for a lasting agreement. The June memorandum of understanding envisioned negotiations towards a wider settlement within 60 days, including addressing Iran's nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, the deadline has passed with no final agreement, and talks are effectively stalled.

The Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted, and there has been little indication of substantial negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. Iran now refuses to fully reopen Hormuz until Washington fulfills commitments made in the agreement, such as releasing frozen Iranian assets. Meanwhile, the United States wants Iran to end its blockade first. Both sides seem to believe that economic and political pressure will eventually force the other to make concessions, leading to a "game of endurance."