Iran insists that three of its missing pilots, whose jets were shot down early in the war, are currently held prisoner in Qatar. Doha categorically denies the claim, leaving key questions unanswered in this high-stakes international dispute.

While Donald Trump promised to steer the United States away from endless military conflicts, his dealings with Iran have shifted toward drawn-out diplomatic negotiations. Tehran’s long-established approach of extending talks without relinquishing key positions may pose an ironic challenge to the former president’s “no forever wars” pledge.