Pakistan, July 16 -- With every passing day, the ongoing exchange of fire between the US and Iran has pushed aside the diplomatic framework that Pakistan spent months constructing. A new wave of American strikes is under way after four consecutive nights of attacks, while Iran has targeted states hosting US forces. Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan have reported incoming missiles or drones. Iranian officials say hundreds were wounded in the latest bombardment and at least 30 people have been killed.

As feared, the fighting is no longer confined to two adversaries- spreading risks across the Gulf.

Washington appears to believe that military pressure can reduce Iran's capacity to threaten shipping and compel Tehran to accept terms it resisted at...