At a time when his signature policies and diplomatic efforts have repeatedly run into setbacks, Trump has deviated from his long-standing political style of seeking attention, instead demanding that critics speak less and interfere less. Early in the morning, he posted on social media claiming that Iran "very much wants to reach an agreement," while simultaneously complaining about constant criticism from Democrats and certain Republican lawmakers who appear unpatriotic, asserting that such voices make negotiations more difficult. However, reporting indicates that the prolonged stalemate over several weeks reveals that Tehran is not eager to strike a deal. On the same day, Iran declared it would withdraw from talks and completely block the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israel's strikes against its ally, Lebanon's Hezbollah. On that day, the U.S., Iran, and Israel all launched attacks. The article notes that Trump’s tendency to exaggerate and equivocate on matters of war is nothing new; however, his demand for external silence highlights a contradiction at the core of his governance: on one hand, he seeks to initiate, direct, and end wars without accountability to Congress or public opinion; on the other hand, he is highly sensitive to criticism, easily distracted, and prone to frustration. The author of The Atlantic observes that this combination of assertive power demands and heightened sensitivity is becoming increasingly evident as both his foreign and domestic agendas face obstacles.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866860386586634/
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