Opinion: "Dialogue" at gunpoint -- U.S. coercive diplomacy towards Iran

By brandishing military force while professing openness to talks, Washington once again reveals its addiction to coercion to force Iran to the table -- an approach that lays bare its hegemonic reflexes.

Diplomacy worthy of the name rests on respect and equality, not intimidation. Washington's coercive diplomacy may extract short-term concessions, but it seldom delivers durable outcomes.

In a Middle East already fraught with volatility, what is needed is de-escalation, not the politics of pressure.

The United States should show restraint and commit to resolving differences through genuine, sustained dialogue. Only on the basis of mutual respect and open communication can a lasting settlement take shape.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service■