New Delhi, April 6 -- US President Donald Trump appears intent on bringing the conflict with Iran to a close. With the midterm election in November approaching, a prolonged escalation would likely heighten risks to the US economy via weaker consumer sentiment and adverse voter perception. The most constructive outcome would be a negotiated arrangement between Iran and the US; however, the probability appears limited given the scale of damage to Iran's public infrastructure and the stringent demands articulated by the US and Israel.

Moreover, both Israel and Iran are operating under divergent objectives-Israel appears inclined to continue the conflict across Iran and Lebanon, a stance reportedly supported by several Gulf nations. Iran, in...