Sara Bazoubandi, an economic expert, said that the United States and the Islamic Republic are more inclined toward an agreement in the current conditions, but differences between the two sides remain wide. According to her, guaranteeing the security of the Strait of Hormuz and ending the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program are among Washington’s most important goals, and the Trump administration wants to present any agreement or military action as a victory.

Bazoubandi added that the Islamic Republic is trying to create global economic pressure by expanding disruptions in energy transfer and to reduce international support for military actions against itself. In response, the Trump administration, to rein in fuel prices and prevent an energy shock, has even turned to the temporary reduction of some oil restrictions on Russia—an action, she said, has been accompanied by European governments’ dissatisfaction.