Trump's Iran Strategy Backfires: A Master Class in Negotiating Incompetence
The Lead
Donald Trump's claims of mastering the 'Art of the Deal' have been exposed as a negotiating incompetence in his approach to Iran, leading to a profound embarrassment for the US.
Trump's Misguided Approach to Iran
Trump's unprovoked war of choice has accomplished all of nothing, and his cabinet offered little resistance as he naively bombed first and faced reality later. A new approach is urgently needed.
The Data Analysis
- Trump's repudiation of the JCPOA removed limits on Iran's nuclear program, enabling it to produce nearly half a tonne of highly enriched uranium at a purity of 60%.
- Iran has compounded the effect by attacking oil and gas facilities in the Gulf Arab states.
- The strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil and gas supply, has been turned into an actual weapon.
The Impact Analysis
Trump's actions have enhanced the power of hardliners in Iran and increased the country's ability to wreak havoc. The US is now worse off, with Tehran upping the ante in negotiations.
The Prediction
The proposed preliminary accord will only return us to the February status quo, before the strait of Hormuz was even in play. A new approach is needed to address the key nuclear questions and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.