150 days into the Iran war, Trump seems to have no good options

AFTER the US-Iran memorandum of understanding was signed in June, many leapt for joy. But the last few weeks – during which Iran and the US restarted armed conflict – have underlined that the crisis, which has lasted more than 150 days thus far, may be far from over.

With November’s Congressional elections drawing ever closer, US President Donald Trump faces a new round of major decisions on Iran with three main strategic options. 

The first is escalation, which he has threatened multiple times, including in joint action with Saudi Arabia in Iraq against Iranian-backed forces on Jul 28.