Analysts Skeptical of Regional Mediation Efforts Amid Escalation Fears

Regional mediators frame it as part of a “phased” process of confidence-building measures envisioned under the Islamabad Declaration, signed by both sides in June.

Analysts, however, are sceptical about the chances of a breakthrough, saying the mediation efforts are primarily aimed at preventing a feared region-wide escalation.

“The current trajectory signals an interregnum, but the likelihood of further escalation still looms large,” What Is Iran? author Arshin Adib-Moghaddam said.

Both sides currently wanted to prevent “yet another military escalation”, said the co-director of the Centre for Iranian Studies at SOAS University of London. “The only variable that can’t be logically and rationally predicted is Donald Trump’s ability to stay consistent, as he has been incredibly unstable and irrational as a president.”