Trump wanted America to take the lead. America took ownership. Now America owns the outcome. Iran’s regime survived. Its nuclear ambitions remain unresolved. And now the Strait of Hormuz is leverage.
You almost have to pinch yourself watching what is unfolding between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump entered this confrontation promising American dominance: that Iran would never obtain a nuclear weapon, its missile-production capability would be destroyed, and its support for terrorist proxies would be severed. America would no longer be threatened, extorted, or played.After the first American attack, Trump had something concrete to show for those words: the US directly struck Iran’s nuclear facilities.
After America’s second bombing campaign, the question is far more uncomfortable: What exactly did America win?Israel reportedly wanted to participate in the latest American strikes, but Washington did not want Israel involved. This became America’s operation, America’s targets, and America’s strategy. That distinction matters. Trump wanted America to take the lead. America took ownership. Now America owns the outcome.
Iran’s regime survived. Its nuclear ambitions remain unresolved. Its missile and drone capabilities are being rebuilt. Russia and China remain sources of weapons, components, and assistance. And now Iran has turned the Strait of Hormuz into leverage against the US. Washington is reportedly considering gradually releasing frozen Iranian funds and providing partial sanctions relief in return for Iran allowing unrestricted, toll-free commercial passage through Hormuz. How did America get from Trump’s demands for Iranian surrender to negotiating what Tehran receives for reopening an international waterway? (Read More)
