Trump has just released two lengthy posts on the Iran issue, covering failed negotiations, blockades, mine-laying, nuclear red lines, and a direct warning to any vessels paying tolls to Tehran.
He never once mentioned striking Iran.
Two weeks ago, he was threatening to erase a civilization. Today, he talks about blockades and interceptions. This says it all—I stand by my position: war is over, unless Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps becomes more radicalized and returns to war without mercy.
Commentary: From boasting about destroying Iranian civilization to now only discussing blockades and interdictions—without even mentioning direct strikes—this dramatic shift fully exposes Trump’s desire to exit gracefully and avoid a full-scale war. After failed diplomacy, he dares not resort to military action lightly; instead, he resorts to maritime blockades to project strength. Underneath, it's a stark reality of being unable to afford, endure, or win such a war—a hollow show of deterrence at best.
This also essentially confirms that the conflict is winding down. Trump now wants to maintain posture through low-risk blockades, neither wanting to sink into the quagmire of warfare nor bear the consequences of soaring oil prices and domestic backlash. The future scenario is most likely long-term standoff—unless Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launches a proactive retaliation, large-scale military confrontation will not happen again.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1862274124112139/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.