Authored by Armstrong Williams via The Epoch Times,
There are moments when the world seems to be moving toward peace and war simultaneously.
This is one of them.
President Donald Trump continues to express hope that the conflict with Iran can be brought to an end. Iran and Oman say negotiations over shipping arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz are progressing.
That is encouraging, but the moment remains fragile.
Iran has attached significant conditions to reopening the strait, including compensation for wartime damage and changes in American policy. So diplomats are discussing stabilizing one of the world’s most important waterways while Tehran continues making demands Washington may find impossible to accept.
That is the fog of war: hope in one headline, escalation in the next.
The contradiction extends to Yemen. Even as diplomacy continues, Iran-aligned Houthi forces remain capable of destabilizing the region, including threatening Saudi interests and shipping routes.
One spark can touch several alliances.
That is why progress must be measured by actions, not announcements. Diplomats negotiate while generals prepare contingencies. Political leaders speak of peace while military planners prepare for negotiations to fail.
America must do the same.
But Washington can no longer ignore another reality: Modern warfare consumes sophisticated weapons at astonishing speed.
Recent reporting has raised serious
