Washington (AP) – President Donald Trump brought a dramatic conclusion to the Primetime season finale, seeking a brief and impactful American intervention in the Middle East.
In a moment of hesitation about his support, Israel’s attack on Iran was followed by an epic bombing mission and an announcement concerning a nuclear facility, culminating in a surprising ceasefire agreement to end hostilities.
Trump designated the conflict as “12 Days of War.”
Now, the pressing question is whether other nations will adhere to the script that Trump has laid out.
An unstable ceasefire adds uncertainty
The ceasefire has already shown signs of instability, with both Israel and Iran exchanging fire even after it took effect. Trump mentioned having used the F-word with both nations on Tuesday morning, expressing his dissatisfaction and urging them to cease fighting.
So far, they are obligated to comply. However, it may take years before the world can ascertain if this recent conflict leads to lasting peace or further violence.
The terms of the ceasefire remain unclear, and there are still questions regarding the extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear program after the weekend strike, despite Trump asserting it was “completely wiped out.” Additionally, Iran’s theocratic leaders may jeopardize the possibility of achieving durable diplomatic solutions to conflicts that have persisted in the region for decades.
“At this moment, he seems like a strong leader delivering results,” stated Brian Katulis, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute. “But once the dust settles, the question will remain—are we actually better off?”
For now, these matters seemed distant from Trump’s mind as the Republican president celebrated a new diplomatic success, something his predecessor did not attempt. He even shared a photo of himself kissing the American flag on social media, boasting, “Trump was right about everything.”
How did it unfold?
The confrontation commenced almost two weeks ago when Israel targeted Iran military leaders, scientists, missile launchers, and anti-aircraft defenses.
However, the US retained bombers and weaponry capable of penetrating Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. Tehran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are solely for peaceful purposes, but US and Israeli officials have long feared the development of nuclear arms.
Despite Iran enriching uranium, U.S. intelligence does not believe the Iranian government has made the decision to pursue a nuclear weapon. Nonetheless, Trump exploited the existing conflict, dismissing fears of sliding into open-ended disputes in the Middle East, which he vowed to avoid.
He ordered a bomber to travel across the globe to attack three nuclear facilities, threatening further actions if the US faced any retaliation.
This kind of dramatic action has consistently attracted Trump, who has fostered an air of unpredictability and aggression on the global stage.
During his first term, Iran was a prime target. Trump avoided a strike following Iran’s downing of an American drone and opted to assassinate a top general instead, fearing that retaliation could be disproportionate.
Just two days after the strike on the U.S. nuclear facility, he announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran.
“Congratulations to everyone!” Trump declared on social media, where he shared updates on the conflict. “This was a war that had been raging for years, wreaking havoc on the entire Middle East, but now, it has ended—and it will never return!”
Approval comes from a rare corner
Unlikely praise emerged from certain segments of the American foreign policy establishment.
Brett McGurk, who managed Middle Eastern policy under President Joe Biden, stated, “This is about the best outcome we could have hoped for,” noting the high marks for Trump’s team in managing the crisis.
However, Katulis expressed uncertainty, arguing that the Trump administration “appears to operate without a concrete diplomatic playbook,” relying heavily on military tactics in the absence of a broader strategy.
Before the outbreak of conflict, Trump had pressured Iran to abandon its nuclear program through negotiations. He insisted, “Iran will not rebuild its nuclear facilities,” but there is no assurance that Tehran will reengage in diplomatic talks.
“It was a tremendous honor to dismantle all nuclear facilities and capabilities and to end the war!” Trump remarked on Tuesday while attending the annual summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the Netherlands.
Leon Panetta, who served in a national security role under President Barack Obama, scoffed at Trump’s social media comments.
“We always know what he’s thinking,” Panetta asserted. “Yet, I’m not sure if what he’s thinking aligns with reality.”
Source: apnews.com