Last opportunity for Trump may rest on potential bombshell revelation
Article:Trump's Last Chance: The Iran Showdown
By Volker Petersen
Insight: The U.S. has been applying pressure on Iran's nuclear program to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons. President Trump's strategy involves stringent economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and a preference for peace. However, Trump has also kept the option of military action on the table in case diplomacy fails[4].
As US President Donald Trump departed the G7 summit in Canada, there was a sense of urgency. "Canada did an incredible job hosting," he said, but he needed to return home immediately. One thing was certain – it was about the conflict with Iran.
Politics Unknown Motives Trump had earlier hinted at possible negotiations with Iran. "I think a deal will be signed," he told reporters at the G7 summit. But something would happen if a deal isn't made, he added without elaborating. "I think Iran is stupid if it doesn't sign it." Tehran was already showing interest in negotiations, and talks about a nuclear agreement were already underway before the recent escalation[1].
French Frustration Apparently, a remark by French President Emmanuel Macron had annoyed Trump. Mr. Macron suggested that Trump might have left because of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. "Wrong!" Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social. "He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a ceasefire," the US president added. "It's about something much bigger than that," he said, but refused to elaborate[1].
Death Threat Trump then tweeted again, warning, "Everyone should leave Tehran immediately!" It sounded like a threat, and not just any threat. Threatening words accompanied the deployment of a large aircraft carrier in the region[1]. Was America preparing for an attack? Were the Americans going to force the Iranians to the negotiating table? It seemed like it.
Netanyahu's Role However, the Iranians had been preparing for a long time. Talks about a nuclear agreement were already underway before the Israeli attacks on Friday, which Iran then broke off as pointless. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi seemed open to it, as special envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance might meet with him this week[1]. The question was rather whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also ready for a quick agreement. Or did he want to continue the conflict until Iran's nuclear program was completely destroyed?
A History of Deals Trump often seems hopeful about securing a new nuclear deal with Iran quickly. However, the likelihood of this is uncertain. The 2015 nuclear deal, signed by several nations, aimed to allow Iran peaceful nuclear power while strictly controlling against nuclear bomb development. Trump withdrew the US from the deal in 2018. It's unclear what he envisions as a better "deal"[2].
Russian Involvement? Trump's suggestion to involve Russian President Vladimir Putin as a mediator also raises questions, as Putin has previously ignored appeals to engage with Ukrainian leadership. European leaders have already rejected the idea after Trump proposed it following a phone call with Putin[2].
Will Trump Use the Bomb? It's unclear how far Trump is willing to go against Iran. If diplomacy fails, would the US resort to war? This could be exactly what Netanyahu wants. After all, only the US possesses the heavy bunker-busting bombs capable of destroying underground Iranian nuclear facilities[1][3].
In short, Trump's strategy combines economic pressure, diplomatic outreach, and a preference for peaceful solutions, while also maintaining a firm stance against Iranian nuclear ambitions. He has kept the option of military action on the table if diplomacy fails[1][2][3]. However, it remains unclear if Trump is ready to follow through with this option[1][3].
The European Union, with its ongoing focus on general news, politics, and war-and-conflicts, is also concerned about the escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between the United States and Iran. The uncertainty surrounding President Trump's intentions and the potential for military action adds fuel to the worries.
