Has Trump really been convinced of the futility of war with Iran?
The article discusses whether U.S. President Trump has become convinced that engaging in war with Iran is futile, amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S. and pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The piece analyses the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, underscoring a conditional flexibility exhibited by the Iranians as they engage with the U.S. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reported to be pressuring President Trump towards military action against Iran. Following a three-hour meeting at the White House, Trump tweeted that he assured Netanyahu of his commitment to continue negotiations with Iran, expressing hope that the Iranians would behave more rationally this time around.
However, analysts caution that Trump's comments may not point to a genuine disinterest in military action. As Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran program at the Middle East Institute, notes, Trump's remarks do not necessarily indicate a rift with Netanyahu, but rather suggest that he is ultimately trying to align U.S. actions with Israeli interests. The context of secrecy surrounding the discussions further muddles the clarity of Trump's position, as sensitivities about the current geopolitical moment loom large.
The article highlights the complexities and intricacies within the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, emphasizing Trump's apparent hope for a better outcome while showcasing the continuous influence of Netanyahu's hawkish stance on U.S. foreign policy. The future of these negotiations remains uncertain, particularly given Iran's refusal to give Trump any leverage that might aid in negotiations, and their firm stance on maintaining their red lines.