President Trump’s pendulum swings on Iran have often seemed driven by mood and moment rather than any discernible strategy.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times

The president said more countries should be required to recognize Israel as part of a deal to end the war with Iran. Analysts say the chances of that happening are close to zero.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times

Months after Pakistan declared “open war” on Afghanistan, neither side appears ready to back down, despite China’s efforts to mediate.

© Tomas Munita for The New York Times

President Trump held out hope for a peace agreement, but said high oil prices would not force his hand.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times

The money has become a sticking point in talks, with Iran insisting that meaningful negotiations cannot begin without the funds’ release.

© Arash Khamooshi/Polaris for The New York Times

In Lebanon, each new cease-fire is met with blind optimism — as if it hails the end of a conflict instead of what it actually is: an admission ticket to the next war.

Whatever deal is reached between the United States and Iran, Trump will have to make a big concession: A murderous regime remains intact.

A deal to end the current blockade is merely an enticement for the next blockade and the one after that.

And no, an exit strategy won’t help you, either.

The balance of power between the United States and China had shifted in Beijing’s favor even before the war in Iran began in February.

With talks at an impasse, both sides are holding to positions their opponents call unacceptable, while the economic pain caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade continues to grow.

President Trump said the fragile cease-fire was on “life support,” and India’s leader urged residents to cut back on purchases and travel.

With President Trump’s visit to Beijing looming, China is pushing Iran to negotiate even as its companies export material that could be used by Iran’s military.