COMMENT | The war between the United States and Iran is in its third week, and there's no sign that the daily barrage of missiles and drones is reducing.

On the contrary, the sabre-rattling from both sides indicates further escalation is possible, causing a widening of the conflict with no clear off-ramp.

Thousands have died, and thousands more have been displaced as a result of strikes on urban areas and civilian infrastructure, including desalination plants crucial for water supply in the desert region.

Meanwhile, disruptions to gas production in the Gulf and a blockade of the Straits of Hormuz have led to...