Iran prioritizes conflict with US to distract from unrest, activist warns

A human rights activist has warned that Iran is prioritizing conflict with the United States over pursuing peace, in an effort to distract from internal unrest. This statement comes amid ongoing hostilities in the U.S.-Iran war, which began in February 2026 following strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iranian targets. The conflict continues to escalate, with no immediate plans for peace talks despite temporary ceasefires and attempts at mediation. Observers suggest that Iran’s current stance could be a strategic move to maintain internal control by diverting public attention away from domestic issues. The prediction markets have responded to this development, indicating a decreased likelihood of diplomatic meetings between the U.S. and Iran by the end of September 2026. The probability of such talks occurring has decreased to 8.5%, down from 10% just 24 hours ago, and a significant drop from 22% a week ago. The broader geopolitical climate, including military actions and diplomatic stances, appears to support the view that peace talks are unlikely in the immediate future. Market participants are also closely watching other related scenarios, such as the potential inclusion of Iran R...