A diplomatic standoff between the United States and Iran has escalated in recent weeks to an all-time high. The United States blames it on alleged Iranian threats. It is good to hear that both Washington and Tehran have decided for now to disengage, tensions remain high. The recent sabotage near Fujairah and drone attacks on Saudi oil installations by Yemeni rebels are reminders that the clouds of war are still looming. Circumstantial evidence suggests a ruse to push President Donald Trump into an unnecessary military conflict that could have had grave ramifications for global security. Most European powers and some Middle Eastern states have already condemned the attacks. They have also expressed scepticism about the Trump administration’s accusatory tone. One may be forgiven for seeing similarities between the current rhetoric the 2003 prelude to the Operation Iraqi Freedom. John Bolton, a key architect of the 2003 invasion, now the US National Security Advisor, appears bent on attacking Tehran’s vital interests, international pressure against such a plot notwithstanding. In terms of international support the situation seems worse even than the 2003 misadventure when Britain had been vocal in support of the US stance. Saudi Arabia and Israel appear to be the only US allies today willing to start a war that few in the world want to risk. There may be a point to remembering the diddimilarities between Iran and Iraq. While its politics might have been dominated by a clerical regime for 40 years, Iran also has a rich history going back thousands of years. The people of Iran are already suffering from economic diffiuclties on account of unilateral US sanctions following US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed by President Barack Obama’s administration in 2015. A military conflict in the region would likely result in a large no-fly zone and global oil supply would suffer a significant reduction once the Strait of Hormuz is closed. Countries like Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Qatar would suffer hugely from spill-over effects. Iraq has already witnessed an exodus of oil company executives and Western diplomats. The economic and social impact of a prolonged conflict would be terrifying. The only chance for a peaceful resolution lies with skillful and resolute diplomacy. It is high time for the US and Iran to resume dialogue for the greater good of the region and the world. Better sense and not hawkish elements on both sides should prevail. *