‘Two maximalists’: Shashi Tharoor explains what keeps US-Iran ceasefire fragile and war looming | Watch

Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor has described the ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran as a case of “brinkmanship on both sides”, warning that the fragile ceasefire could soon collapse and lead to a fresh wave of violence in the region.

In an interview with Firstpost, Tharoor said both sides are sticking to hardline positions, making negotiations increasingly difficult. “This has reached a point where it looks like they are at an irreconcilable stage in terms of their two maximalist demands,” he said.

Tharoor said that US President Donald Trump has
warned of a major escalation if the current ceasefire expires. The threat includes possible bombing of key Iranian infrastructure such as bridges and power plants—an action Tharoor described as “phenomenally significant” and potentially transformative for the entire region.

At the same time, Iran has refused to come to the negotiating table under pressure. Tharoor explained that Tehran’s position is rooted in what it sees as contradictory actions by Washington. While backchannel talks have reportedly been set up through Pakistan, the US has continued its blockade on Iran and even seized an Iranian vessel.

“The Iranians are saying you cannot carry out warlike actions against us and talk peace at the same time,” Tharoor noted. “They want the blockade and hostile moves to stop first—only then will they negotiate.”

This deadlock, he warned, makes it unclear “who is going to blink first.” Tharoor added that while Trump may not want to prolong the conflict indefinitely, backing down could hurt his credibility domestically. “He cannot afford to appear weak in the face of what could be seen as Iranian intransigence,” he said.

The Congress leader expressed concern that the situation could deteriorate quickly. He fears that the US might carry out limited strikes to demonstrate resolve, while Iran appears equally unwilling to soften its stance unless there is a clear rollback of American actions.

Tharoor also highlighted the heavy human and economic cost of the conflict so far. He pointed to estimates suggesting around 6,000 Iranian soldiers have been killed and infrastructure damage could run into nearly a trillion dollars. The conflict has also spilled over into Lebanon, where fighting has reportedly killed around 1,700 Hezbollah fighters, along with hundreds of civilians.

Calling it a “calamitous period” for West Asia, Tharoor said he sees few immediate signs of de-escalation. “We may be heading not just back to square one, but to square zero—or even minus one,” he warned, underlining the urgent need for both sides to step back and return to dialogue.