Iran peace talks in peril as fresh strikes raise stakes

The White House is escalating economic pressure on Iran, but a new wave of strikes is pushing a peaceful resolution further out of reach, according to a U.S. military analyst. Col. Steve Ganyard, an ABC News contributor and former Marine Corps pilot, said the latest military actions are raising tensions even as Washington tries to force Tehran back to the negotiating table through sanctions. “The question is whether economic pain alone can deliver a deal,” Ganyard said. “Right now, the strikes are undercutting that effort.” He pointed to the dual-track approach: tougher sanctions designed to choke Iran’s oil revenue, paired with visible military force. But he warned that the combination may not be enough to secure a breakthrough. “Pressure can create leverage,” he added. “But if the other side feels cornered, it often digs in deeper.” The remarks come as international observers report no sign of a near-term agreement. Diplomatic channels remain open, but the window for a peaceful outcome appears narrow. Ganyard stressed that the White House’s strategy is not failing outright—but it is not yet succeeding. “We are in a very delicate phase,” he said. “Every strike changes the calculus in Tehran.” For now, the path forward remains unclear. What is certain is that the cost of failure—militarily, economically, and diplomatically—continues to climb.