In the latest chapter of the long-running geopolitical drama between the United States and Iran, President Trump has proclaimed that the war with Iran could wrap up in the blink of an eye, as soon as November. The commander-in-chief is confident that a good conclusion is on the horizon, which naturally leads everyone to wonder if he has a secret peace wand that’s about to be waved. Optimism is indeed a good thing, though it seems a bit misplaced given the recent Iranian missile attack on a U.S. vessel. But don’t worry, folks, because the president says Iran is just itching to strike a deal. How reassuring!

Trump is expected to meet with Gulf leaders at the United Nations General Assembly to hash things out. The only real snag here seems to be that the Iranians are playing a real-world game of cat and mouse in the Strait of Hormuz, and not exactly with a playful intent. They’ve hit a U.S. contracted vessel with a projectile, causing minor injuries—because who doesn’t enjoy a few bumps and bruises while cruising?

Not to be outdone in the show of force department, the USS George Washington is strutting its stuff in the Arabian Sea, armed to the teeth and ready to fire every widget and gadget it possesses. From GBU31 Victor 4 bunker buster bombs to 2,000-pound wrecking balls, all the bells and whistles are in position as the U.S. plays babysitter over the busy waterway. It’s a big, organized game of tag with accountability and protective oversights, just to make sure things run as smoothly as possible amidst chaos.

Now, not content with just one sandbox to play in, Iran’s proxy forces, the Houthis, are stirring up all sorts of excitement in Yemen. They’re kind of like the neighborhood kids who can’t keep their hands out of the cookie jar, throwing stones at Saudi Arabia and any vessel unlucky enough to cross their path. Even though they’re whispering to U.S. officials in Oman that they’re not targeting American interests, their actions on the ground tell a different tale. They’ve been very busy trying to choke off vital global energy pathways, a clear effort to stranglehold the flow of oil and, by extension, the global economy. It’s a classic “Do as I say, not as I do” move, which only adds to the tension.

So, as our brave leaders play tug-of-war with Iran and its merry band of provocateurs, the world watches, popcorn in hand, waiting to see if peace is really just around the corner, as promised. And while the idea of November being the month of resolution is lovely, one can’t help but remain cautiously skeptical, knowing that the real story probably isn’t as simple as a snap of the fingers. Wouldn’t it be nice if all disputes were settled so quickly? Until then, the saga continues, entertaining us all with its global game of chess. Stay tuned, America!