Pursuing an absolute and comprehensive triumph against Iran, per Trump's statements.
Get ready for some fireworks! President Donald Trump has made it clear that the US is not backing down in the war between Israel and Iran. "We want a total, complete victory," he shouted from the White House. "No nuclear weapon." The victory he's talking about? A world free of Iranian atom bombs.
Trump has been as quiet as a church mouse when it comes to engaging in the actual war. But if it comes down to fighting or an Iranian nuclear weapon, he's ready to roll up his sleeves and do what's necessary. "We must do what we must do," he declared. "Maybe we won't have to fight."
Trump also scheduled another meeting today in the "Situation Room," the heavily secured nerve center of the US government. He's already held a powwow with his security team in there yesterday. It's not clear what he and his team will be discussing, but it's probably safe to say it's got something to do with Iran.
The US has always been a snappy defender of Israel, so it's no surprise the military backbone is on Israel's side. But so far, the government has insisted it's not involved in the fighting between Israel and Iran.
The recent escalation between Iran and Israel is a real headache for the White House. It's like a game of chicken that neither side wants to lose. Trump has been consistently demanding Iran's "unconditional surrender," but at the same time, he hasn't given up on the idea of negotiation. "It's not too late," he said. "There's a big difference between now and a week ago."
Iran has even proposed visiting the White House for talks, and Trump has given them a nod of approval. It's a brave move for them, considering the bombs that have been dropping left and right. "That's [brave, it isn't] easy for them to do that," Trump said. But whether it will lead to any meaningful conversation remains to be seen.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/dpa
- Iran
- Iran Conflict
- Iranian Nuclear Program
- Israel War
- Israel
Behind the Scenes:
The current strategy of the US toward Iran's nuclear program in the context of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict focuses on two main objectives:
- Preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon: Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), the US has been working to limit Iran's nuclear activities. Negotiations between the US and Iran to restrict Iran's capabilities have stalled, with Iran refusing to cease enrichment and the US demanding zero enrichment.
- Preventing the conflict from escalating: The US aims to avoid the Iran-Israel conflict escalating to direct hostilities involving American forces or allies in the Middle East. The US has taken various measures to protect its personnel and allies, and continues to assess any actions that might constitute a "red line" for military or covert responses.
Potential US actions in this context include:
- Maintaining a strong military deterrent posture in the Middle East to protect American personnel and allies.
- Continuously assessing Iranian activities to determine whether enforcement actions or military responses are required.
- Engaging in diplomacy when feasible, although recent talks have been challenging due to Iran's refusal to compromise on its nuclear enrichment program.
- Monitoring Iran's ballistic missile and satellite launch capabilities, which could contribute to the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) by 2035, shaping US strategic planning in the long term.
In essence, the US is trying to balance diplomatic pursuits with a credible threat of military force to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions, while mitigating the risks of regional war stemming from the Iran-Israel confrontation. The cancellation of negotiations following Israeli military actions, and Iranian missile strikes on US sites, underscore the urgency and complexity of the US policy in mid-2025.
The Community policy and Employment policy of the US Administration are likely under consideration as they manage the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, given President Trump's focus on total victory without Iranian nuclear weapons, and his approach to diplomacy and potential military action. Additionally, with the escalating tension between war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, it's essential for the US administration to maintain a strong stance in the Middle East and consider all potential responses in their policy-making process.
