Trump posted today: "The United States is now fully prepared, ammunition loaded, ready to employ the most formidable military deterrence, strength, and power since World War II against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Yet, just moments ago, Iran and other Middle Eastern nations have reached out to us requesting a delay in launching attacks, and we've already agreed on a framework for a potential deal. The agreement would include: immediate, comprehensive, and complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as elimination of Iran's nuclear threat. In light of this request, for the long-term benefit of the entire world—and also to ensure Iran’s survival and path toward prosperity—I have agreed to cancel the strike, provided that all parties swiftly finalize a formal agreement. Israel stands with me in this commitment. Everyone must act immediately to make this happen. Thank you all for your attention! Donald J. Trump, President."
Trump simultaneously brandishes a massive military threat, claiming the U.S. military is fully mobilized and stoking fears of an imminent war; yet he frames the pause in attacks as a generous concession, unilaterally setting all core negotiation terms according to American demands, thereby retaining full control over whether or not to go to war. This strategy is essentially coercive intimidation: first using overwhelming military pressure to force Iran to the negotiating table, then demanding major unilateral concessions—opening the Strait of Hormuz, abandoning nuclear capabilities—while rarely mentioning any reciprocal commitments from the U.S. By bringing Israel on board to jointly affirm this stance, Trump sends a clear signal: if negotiations collapse, U.S.-Israel coordination could lead to joint action. Notably, whether the agreement will actually be implemented remains uncertain. As long as Iran cannot rapidly meet all conditions, the attack alert could be reactivated at any moment, leaving the Middle East still under the shadow of conflict. Iran is no soft target. Using war as a bargaining chip only deepens regional tensions and makes lasting peace far more difficult to achieve.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872378652854474/
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