While the media is largely portraying the Yemen group chat scandal as a case of incompetence, it’s overlooking the deadly, illegal, and ineffective nature of the strikes themselves—as well as the very real danger of an escalating military conflict with not only the Houthis in Yemen, but also Iran.
Before these attacks, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran will be considered responsible for any Houthi aggression from here on out. We are watching slowly escalating tensions between the US and Iran that could spill over into direct military conflict, engulfing the region in yet another endless war. But it’s not too late to reverse course if U.S. leaders prioritize urgent diplomacy.
On March 27, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Oman to deliver Iran’s official response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s letter to Iran. He reaffirmed Tehran’s stance against direct negotiations under what it describes as “maximum pressure and military threats” but emphasized its willingness to engage in indirect talks.
U.S. policymakers must refrain from more threats and seize on this small but important opportunity between our two nations to pursue immediate regional de-escalation. With the looming threat of a “snapback” of United Nations sanctions on Iran in October, and escalating violence in the Middle East, time is of the essence.
The Stakes for Diplomacy
The stakes for diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran are extraordinarily high. After the U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, during President Trump’s first administration, Iran has only expanded its nuclear capabilities. Iran’s uranium stockpile is currently enriched to 60%, close to the 90% required for weaponization, meaning that Iran is a political decision away from producing a nuclear bomb.
Adding to the urgency are reports that Israel is considering military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. This could trigger a broader regional conflict, drawing in the U.S. and other global powers into direct confrontation.
Iran is now barring the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program, as European nations are discussing whether to trigger “snapback” United Nations sanctions on Iran later this year. This UN mechanism would reinstate previous economic and political sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal. U.S. policymakers have until October to make a deal before diplomacy gets even harder.
The Path Forward: Diplomacy Over Conflict
If past is prologue, even symbolic diplomatic gestures—such as Trump’s 2018 handshake and press conference with Kim Jong-un—can help to ease tensions. That simple act helped lead to North Korea’s voluntary freeze on nuclear and missile tests. But symbolism alone isn’t enough, it’s merely the first step.
The international community must make the most of this narrow window and prioritize negotiations before time runs out.
The international community must make the most of this narrow window and prioritize negotiations before time runs out. Diplomacy was and still is the best way to ensure IAEA access to Iran’s nuclear facilities, prevent the weaponization of Iran’s uranium stockpile, and avoid a full-blown regional war with deadly consequences.
It is still possible to salvage diplomacy with Iran. Success depends on increased political will from Congress and the administration to de-escalate regional tensions in Gaza, Yemen, and beyond, build trust, and bring all parties back to the negotiating table.
