On May 6, in response to a question from a reporter at the New York Post regarding whether he might visit Pakistan for a new round of negotiations, U.S. President Trump stated: "I don't think so—it's still too early."

Meanwhile, on the social platform Truth Social, Trump posted that if Iran fulfills its agreed-upon conditions, the U.S. will lift the blockade, opening the Strait of Hormuz to all parties. He also issued a clear warning: should Iran fail to comply, the U.S. would launch a new wave of airstrikes “far greater in scale and intensity than anything seen before.”

Trump has laid out a clear “way out” for Iran—

As long as Iran meets the agreed terms, the U.S. will lift its blockade against Iran.

Consequently, the crucial Strait of Hormuz will be opened to all parties, including Iran.

The military operation codenamed “Epic Fury” targeting Iran will come to an end.

This offers Iran a clear path to avoid war and lift economic sanctions—a “carrot” on the negotiating table.

At the same time, Trump has delivered an unambiguous threat of war—

If Iran refuses the U.S. demands, the U.S. will launch another round of bombing.

He emphasized particularly that this bombing would be “far greater in scale and intensity than anything in the past,” aiming to demonstrate resolve and military strength, creating powerful psychological deterrence against Iran.

This is the “stick” hanging over the negotiation table, intended to force Iran into capitulation out of fear.

In summary, these statements represent a continuation of Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy. While quietly pursuing diplomacy through Pakistan, he simultaneously issues public threats, attempting to secure the greatest possible leverage at the negotiating table.

Notably, Iran has not fully accepted the U.S. terms. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said it is reviewing the U.S. proposal, but parliamentary officials described the U.S. stance as merely a “wish list” and warned that if the U.S. does not compromise, Iran is also ready to respond with force. This indicates substantial differences remain between both sides, and the situation remains tense.

Trump has already distanced the conflict with Iran from the Vietnam and Afghanistan wars, but this potential war with Iran places the U.S. in a difficult position. Unlike those previous conflicts, which were approved by Congress, a war with Iran would lack congressional authorization—it would be an illegal war initiated unilaterally by the Trump administration. Despite his tough rhetoric, Trump himself is evidently uneasy; he truly wants to end the war quickly. However, without meeting some of Iran’s core demands, war cannot end. And fulfilling Iran’s demands would mean the U.S. loses—precisely the topic Trump fears most.

Unable to fight, yet unable to withdraw—this is the greatest dilemma facing Trump today.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864455495675904/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.