This slide summarizes our extensive research into the session of talks in Islamabad which had lasted nearly a full day with the bearded U.S. Vice President looking across the table at bearded Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff was freshly shaven, bringing a touch of the old formal world of diplomacy to the talks in Islamabad. Pakistan takes an unaccustomed twirl in the global spotlight.

And this morning we seem to be in an unearthly pirouette above war and peace.

We had assumed the talks would be about the 440.9 KG of uranium that has been enriched to 60% of weapons grade, It is said there is enough for about a dozen weapons, give or take, given a few weeks of trying. That material is half of the two-part breakdown in talks.

The Iranians are claiming victory, based on their ostensible control of international waters in the Strait of Hormuz.

So, domestic politics in America have a blare of publicity that the Iranians have won. The noise is quite distracting, since things are a little different. Iran no longer has a functioning Army, Air Force or Navy. Their lights are only one because we have allowed them power. The uranium is likely in one of a few spots remaining under the rubble of their nuclear program. But it is still there, someplace.

Like the waters of a strategic Strait still caress the Iranian coast.

Consider the difference today if their program remained in the status it had before Operation Epic Fury commenced.

The talks may have resulted in 21 hours of wasted time, though it is useful that the two sides could share the same oxygen and curt words rather than atomic ordnance. But today could determine a return of kinetic chaos.

We intend to stay tuned, though this is the second half of the nicest day of Spring in Northern Virginia. The Zooms have set up a pickle ball outline on the old asphalt of the parking lot of the sprawling National Auto Dealers Association HQ that once occupied this section of Fairfax County’s vibrant mixed-use complex of low, mid and high rise construction with suitable amenities for everything within fifteen minutes stroll.

We don’t know if that is going to work. We thought the talks in Islamabad might. Instead. if the war returns this morning, the weather for it will be great.

Whoa or Go?

Copyright 2026 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com