Amid airstrikes and stalemates in negotiations, the US and Iran have approached a tipping point

The upcoming change of guard in Tehran could also cloud the waters. “Ebrahim Raisi’s victory this month in Iran, a firm priest who opposes negotiations with the United States, added to the sense of urgency that hovered over the negotiations, ” explained my colleagues. “Raisi, who replaces President Hassan Rouhani, a political moderate, will take office in August.”