Kurdish Policy Analysis

       Three scenarios that could reshape the Middle East and global economy overnight March 22, 2026 — By Pshtiwan Faraj   The war between the United States, Israel and Iran is entering what analysts describe as its most dangerous phase yet, with both sides escalating threats against energy infrastructure, shipping routes and regional targets — raising the prospect that the conflict could end abruptly, but not cleanly. The conflict , now in its fourth week, has already killed more than 2,000 people and disrupted global oil flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint that carries roughly a fifth of the world’s crude supply. A War Reaching Its Breaking Point U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply would result in the destruction of Iranian energy infrastructure. Iran has responded with its own escalation, threatening to fully close the waterway and...

          WASHINGTON/CAIRO/DOHA/LONDON, March 22 — The United States has presented Iran with a set of stringent conditions tied to a broader proposal aimed at securing a ceasefire and reducing regional tensions, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. The message was conveyed through intermediaries including Egypt , Qatar , and the United Kingdom , reflecting ongoing indirect diplomacy between Washington and Tehran, the report said. According to Axios, the proposal outlines six major commitments the United States is seeking from Iran as part of any potential de-escalation framework: A five-year suspension of Iran’s missile program A complete halt to uranium enrichment, reducing enrichment activity to zero The closure of nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, described in the report as damaged Acceptance of strict international monitoring and oversight of centrifuges and nuclear infrastructure Regional arms limita...