Turning the geopolitical stage into a high-stakes chess match, President Trump’s administration is making monumental moves with its recent blockade of Iranian ports. It’s a veritable tug-of-war, with the United States Navy flexing its muscles and keeping a firm hold on maritime pathways. This strategic blockade has already turned around 14 ships, including both Iranian and Chinese vessels, stopping them dead in their tracks and reminding everyone just who the big kahuna is in these waters.

Now, onto Iran, which seems to have received the memo: There’s only room for one sheriff in town. Reports indicate that Iran is inching towards the negotiating table, though whether the intention is genuine diplomacy or a mere pause to regroup is yet to be seen. The fact that they’re even considering a sit-down, replete with conditions handed down from Washington, suggests that the sanctions and naval blockades have hit their mark. Who would have thought that turning off the oil faucet would kick the gears of diplomacy into motion so effectively?

Not to be outdone, the Middle East served up another dish of tentative peace with a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This truce, occurring after US mediation, is a move some might describe as a band-aid on a bullet wound. The reality is disheartening—Lebanon can’t keep Hezbollah in check any more than a sieve holds water. With Hezbollah effectively acting as Iran’s play-soldiers just a stone’s throw from Israel, it’s anyone’s guess how long this chalk-drawn peace line will hold.

Meanwhile, back in Iran, the economic clock is ticking. With 90% of their oil revenue streaming through the very straits now blocked by the US Navy, they’re finding themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Should they bend to the demands laid out by Uncle Sam, or continue to dig in their heels, risking a complete economic meltdown? It’s akin to watching someone juggle chainsaws; eventually, something’s gotta give.

To put it bluntly, it’s about time the art of deal-making became a little less artful and a lot more hard-knuckled. President Trump seemingly holds all the cards and, by all logic, should be playing them with agile determination. Subtlety and compromise are nice platitudes for statesmen who enjoy endless rounds of table tennis. Still, with issues as serious as nuclear enrichment and regional security, one doesn’t bring a paintbrush to a knife fight. It’s time Iran realizes they aren’t just sparring with any old negotiator—they’re up against a statesman who prefers his deadlines sharp and his deals ironclad.