Almost 21 hours of negotiations between America and Iran ended without a deal, but diplomats say there is still time for further talks. The ceasefire announced on April 8th is meant to last for two weeks and can be extended by mutual agreement.
The talks were serious and substantive, with each side bringing a team of experts to discuss details. However, the nuclear issue was the dealbreaker, with America insisting that Iran give up its right to enrich uranium at all. Iran has repeatedly rejected that demand.
The outcome underscores how hard it is to end a war that both sides believe themselves to be winning. Diplomats say the talks were a step in the right direction, but more time is needed to reach a comprehensive agreement.
Iran sees time as an ally, believing that America is desperate to end the war before soaring energy prices sink the Republican party in the midterm elections in November. America, on the other hand, believes that the war has battered Iran's leadership, armed forces, and economy.
The risk is that the two adversaries misread one another, with Iran potentially underestimating America's willingness to escalate attacks on infrastructure and economic targets.
