The United States wants Iran make the first concession — such as ending its uranium enrichment activities. That would be significant for Iran. But because of mistrust, Iran is likely to wait for the U.S. to make the first move.

The news of an agreement struck between two of America’s adversaries made waves and raised the alarm for a potential showdown, but the potential for military coordination isn’t the main focus of the agreement.

Mixing questions about nuclear reactors and missiles with matters involving Iran’s political system is a recipe for failure. Separating the issues will allow the U.S. to return to the Iran deal more easily, while addressing other concerns in a different forum.

Iran is blaming Israel for the assassination, but its response has been restrained. It doesn’t want to provoke Trump into launching a last-minute attack on its nuclear facilities. But the guns are locked and loaded. When will the shooting begin?

U.S. return to the Iran nuclear deal could be difficult. Much has changed in the world in the past four years, including the recent assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist. China’s help may be needed more than ever.

In the wake of rising U.S.-Iranian tension, there seems to be no clear path forward – and no clear winner. China stands to pluck the fruit of possible conflict in the region.

The killing is a game-changer that will divert America’s attention from other priorities and force Trump to send more troops and weapons to the Middle East rather than withdrawing.

Protected by the vast Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the American homeland is a difficult target for direct retaliation. Iran and its proxies have easier marks around the world.

The Trump administration owes the world a clear explanation of how it justified an operation to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. So far, the strike seems legally dubious, if not flagrantly illegal.

Britain, France and Germany have shifted their position, but with the suggestion of permanent denuclearization in exchange for permanent removal of sanctions, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif may have kicked the ball back to the United States.