According to Bloomberg, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said at a security forum in Poland on October 12 local time that there is no simple solution to the current U.S-Iran conflict.
Both sides currently believe they can endure longer than their opponent. Austin said that resolving this conflict would require "professional diplomatic negotiation."
He stated that over time, the positions of the United States and Iran have become increasingly tough. Although the Iranian economy is under great pressure, the Iranian government has long become accustomed to such a high-stress environment.
According to reports, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that negotiations between the United States and Iran are progressing, but no tangible results have been achieved. The conflict has led to higher fuel prices, and related issues have become a focus of voter attention. Trump's statements regarding Iran are becoming increasingly relevant in the closely contested U.S. mid-term elections.
Austin said that the Gulf region will 'no longer be able to return to its pre-war state'. He refused to comment on whether the war launched by Trump was a strategic mistake, stating that history would judge.
