Iran’s message system is like a middle schooler’s note-passing network
Diplomacy via intermediaries is the new normal, but it’s not exactly a direct line.
The story
Iran claims it is still sending messages to the U.S. through intermediaries, despite rising tensions and concerns about a potential war. U.S. and Israeli officials have made conflicting statements about military actions.
Source: fortune.com
Our reading
Iran’s foreign ministry says it’s still using intermediaries to send messages to the U.S., which is a bit like sending a note through a middle schooler during a game of tag. The message is clear: we’re not closing the door on diplomacy, but we’re not exactly rolling out the welcome mat either.
the U.S. president, when asked about a strike, says there won’t be one today. Which is like saying, ‘I’m not going to punch you today,’ while holding a fistful of boxing gloves. The intermediaries are the real heroes here, because they’re the ones who get to say, ‘We’re not at war, but we’re not not at war either.’
So the next time you hear about a ‘diplomatic channel,’ remember: it’s not a phone line, it’s a relay race with no finish line.
