New Delhi, July 2 -- another round of large-scale strikes would end the negotiations that Trump has identified as his primary strategic objective - the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program.

The internal logic that held him back is precise. "Finishing the job" - the phrase some officials used for a renewed full-scale campaign against Iranian military and energy infrastructure, including a threatened strike on Kharg Island's oil hub - would close the path to the nuclear disarmament Trump has publicly set as his stated goal. So the briefings stayed briefings. Trump told aides he was comfortable letting the talks run past the August 18 deadline if that is what a durable agreement requires, and has authorized only limited, one-off retaliator...