Recent reports indicate that the United States and Iran are nearing a ceasefire agreement and discussions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, prompting significant debate in Washington about the future of US policy towards Tehran. Influential think tanks, such as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Atlantic Council, provide differing assessments of the situation. James M. Lindsay from the Council on Foreign Relations highlights that rising fuel prices and inflation are undermining public support for President Donald Trump, especially as the 2026 midterm elections approach. With Republicans holding narrow majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the political stakes are high. On the other hand, Brett McGurk from the Atlantic Council argues that US policymakers misunderstand the ideological motivations driving Iran's behavior, suggesting that US diplomatic efforts have historically been ineffective. Philip Gordon of the Brookings Institution notes a growing rift between the US and European allies, complicating international coalitions. Conversely, Rebeccah L. Heinrichs of the Hudson Institute advocates for maintaining maximum pressure on Iran, opposing any interim agreements that might ease economic burdens on Tehran. This multifaceted debate underscores the complexities of US-Iran relations and their political ramifications.