ABC News reports that Iran says diplomacy is the only way forward with the United States after US President Donald Trump rejected its latest deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Mr Trump says Iran is in deep trouble economically as tough sanctions and the US blockade of Iranian ports and ships takes their toll. His outspoken comments on Iran's proposed deal came soon after the White House said U-S officials were having positive and constructive conversations with mediators.
USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein spoke with ABC News on this development, saying it was not clear if the US has an exit strategy, but "there's no denying that after the midterm elections his political runway is a lot longer" and can "pressure on the Iranian regime because he doesn't face the same political fallout."