Trump wanted to cripple Iran - now he might be handing Tehran a victory

The author questions the effectiveness of US President Donald Trump's strategy against Iran, suggesting that recent actions may have inadvertently benefited Tehran. Trump entered the confrontation promising American dominance, aiming to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, destroy its missile production, and sever its support for terrorist proxies.

Following the first American attack, which directly struck Iran's nuclear facilities, the article poses a stark question: "What exactly did America win?" It highlights that Iran's regime has survived, its nuclear ambitions are unresolved, and its missile and drone capabilities are being rebuilt with aid from Russia and China. Furthermore, Iran has leveraged the Strait of Hormuz against the US.

The piece points out the apparent contradiction of Washington considering the gradual release of frozen Iranian funds and partial sanctions relief in return for Iran allowing unrestricted passage through Hormuz. The author finds this "embarrassing for America" and particularly for a president whose brand is strength, questioning why Iran would set the price if America has "total control."

The article warns that loosening sanctions could free Iranian resources for rebuilding missiles, strengthening Hezbollah, supporting the Houthis and Hamas, restoring military infrastructure, and potentially advancing nuclear capabilities. It argues that America cannot simultaneously spend billions destroying Iran's military and then create the financial conditions for its reconstruction, especially over Iran's disruption of Hormuz. This would send a "catastrophic message" beyond Tehran, with Hamas also observing the developments.