【The Iran conflict is a decisive test of American leadership】
After the first phase of "Epic Anger" operation, the cost of strategic miscalculation began to surface. The Iran crisis has trapped the United States in the trap of overly high expectations.
The Middle East situation has become even more complicated due to Israel's complete loss of control. Israel is pushing for escalation at all costs, solely to prevent Washington from disengaging or reaching a separate deal with Iran. Meanwhile, the widespread criticism from NATO countries regarding America's strike on Iran has revealed their true attitudes toward Trump.
As a result, the U.S. has been forced to continuously raise the cost of strikes and move toward further escalation. To some extent, Washington now must simultaneously contain three parties: NATO, Israel, and Iran.
For Washington, the Iran conflict represents a defining test of leadership:
- For the first time, NATO nations collectively stood by idly during an American military operation. If the U.S. cannot forcefully enforce its will within NATO in the future, it will lose the ability to issue orders to NATO;
- If the operation fails—even if it stops immediately—the image and authority of the U.S. as a global leader will be completely shattered, triggering a series of subsequent consequences.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860676892443712/
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