Trump's Iran 'Peace Talks': Strategic Cover for Escalation?

• Donald Trump's conflicting statements on Iran, simultaneously claiming 'great progress' in talks and threatening to 'obliterate' infrastructure, raise questions about his true intentions.
• While Trump insists on ongoing peace talks, Tehran consistently denies direct negotiations, creating a fundamental disconnect.
• US actions, including strikes on Kharg Island and threats to seize Iranian oil, suggest intensifying pressure and a potential shift towards resource control as a war aim.
• The Strait of Hormuz has become a central flashpoint, with US officials backing the idea of not leaving it under Iranian leverage and military options being explored to forcibly reopen it.
• Despite talk of diplomacy, the US has increased troop deployment, carried out major strikes, and targeted nuclear facilities, leading Iran to accuse Washington of preparing for a ground assault.