US-Iran showdown may only intensify
Iran's downing of a US drone marks the latest escalation that has raised fears of all-out war -- and, despite President Donald Trump's call for talks, there are few reasons to believe tensions will ease anytime soon. The adversaries confirmed that Iran shot down a US spy drone, with Washington insisting it was in international waters over the strategic Strait of Hormuz but Tehran saying that the drone violated its airspace. One point on which most agree is that the intensifying showdown is linked to Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign, in which the United States has sought to cripple Iran's economy and reduce its regional role.