The Thucydides Trap Returns: Did the Trump–Xi Summit Push the US and China Closer to Conflict or Cooperation?

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After years of escalating tensions, tariffs, military rivalry, and technological warfare, the Trump–Xi summit has revived one of geopolitics’ most dangerous questions: can a rising China and a dominant United States avoid the Thucydides Trap—or is confrontation becoming inevitable? By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Sulaimani, Iraq | 13 May 2026 — Kurdish Policy Analysis How are the United States and China redefining their relationship? "We don't have permanent allies and we don't have permanent enemies, only our interests are permanent, and we have to follow them." – Henry John Temple. The root of the current Strait of Hormuz tensions is not only about shipping routes or oil prices, but also about the final collapse of the historical US concept towards Beijing. However, the 2025 National Security Strategy, released by the White House in November, says this was a historic mistake because China used the assets it accumulated to strengthen itself and compete with the West, not to...

US-Iran Backchannel Talks Reportedly Set for Pakistan as Nuclear Tensions Rise


Trump Envoys Witkoff and Kushner May Meet Iran’s Araghchi in Pakistan Amid Nuclear Talks

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj, Sulaimani, Kurdish Policy Analysis, April 24, 2026

Fresh reports indicate that a new diplomatic backchannel between the United States and Iran may be taking shape in Pakistan, marking a potentially significant shift in efforts to manage escalating nuclear tensions. Reports suggest a high-stakes diplomatic channel is being prepared in Pakistan as Washington increases pressure on Tehran over nuclear negotiations. Reports claim US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may meet Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi in Pakistan amid renewed nuclear negotiations and escalating pressure on Tehran.

According to the report, President Donald Trump is considering sending special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for preliminary discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The proposed meeting would represent one of the most direct engagements between the two sides in recent months. (cnn.com)

A High-Stakes Diplomatic Channel

While details remain unconfirmed by official sources, the reported plan suggests an attempt to open a discreet negotiation track outside traditional diplomatic venues.

Pakistan has historically played a mediating role in regional crises involving Iran and the United States, making it a plausible neutral ground for exploratory talks.

Pressure and Negotiation at the Same Time

The reported outreach comes amid intensified U.S. pressure on Iran, including sanctions, regional military posturing, and warnings over nuclear escalation.

At the same time, Washington appears to be testing whether controlled diplomacy can prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Uncertainty Around the Format

Vice President JD Vance is reportedly not part of the initial delegation, though sources suggest he could join later stages if negotiations advance toward a more structured agreement.

This indicates that the process—if confirmed—remains highly flexible and contingent on early outcomes.

Strategic Context

The timing of these reported discussions reflects growing urgency on both sides.

For Washington, preventing nuclear escalation remains a core priority. For Tehran, economic pressure and regional isolation are pushing the leadership to explore indirect diplomatic options.

The Bottom Line

If confirmed, the reported Pakistan channel would mark a significant development in US–Iran relations—combining pressure and negotiation in parallel tracks.

However, until officially acknowledged, the talks remain speculative but strategically plausible in an increasingly volatile regional environment.

#Iran #US #Trump #Pakistan #Diplomacy #MiddleEast #NuclearTalks #Geopolitics #AbbasAraghchi #ForeignPolicy #KurdishPolicyAnalysis

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