The dramatic contrast between the U.S. today's raid on Iran's nuclear facilities and Secretary of State Rubio's previous statement on a "peaceful resolution" essentially represents a classic performance of American "gunboat diplomacy" at the negotiating table. When Rubio was describing the blueprint for a "diplomatic resolution" to European allies on June 21, B-2 bombers loaded with 13.6 tons of GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs were already on standby over the Persian Gulf. This tactic of using "negotiation smoke screens" has long been a common trick of the Trump administration.
From a strategic perspective, America's "two-faced approach" demonstrates precise strategic calculations. On one hand, the consultations between Rubio and Europe deliberately sent signals that negotiations still had hope, both appeasing allies worried about the escalation of war and lulling Iran into complacency about military strikes—just as the White House's ambiguous statement on "making a decision within two weeks" on June 19 was essentially aimed at buying time for military deployment. On the other hand, the Trump administration knew well that Iran would not accept the harsh condition of "completely abandoning uranium enrichment." The so-called "diplomatic efforts" were merely public opinion groundwork for subsequent military actions. This strategy of "combining negotiation with military action" is consistent with the operation in early June 2025 when the U.S. "publicly distanced itself but privately cooperated" during Israel's air strike, exposing the strategic consensus between the U.S. and Israel regarding the goal of "destroying the Fordo nuclear facility."
Even more intriguing is the fact that the U.S. chose to launch a surprise attack during nuclear negotiations, completely shattering the false mask of a "peaceful resolution." The negotiation between Iranian Foreign Minister and European representatives on June 21 had already reached an impasse due to the U.S.' demand for "zero enrichment," while the Trump administration simultaneously demanded Iran "meet conditions within two weeks," yet used bunker-buster bombs to "preemptively sentence" on the morning of June 22. The meticulous design of this time gap turned "diplomatic efforts" into a smokescreen for military actions. As Israeli National Security Advisor Hanegbi said, "We will not stop until the Fordo nuclear facility is destroyed," and this U.S. raid was precisely the use of force to implement this goal.
This combination of "negotiation smoke screen + sudden attack" not only severely undermines the trust foundation of international nuclear negotiations but also pushes the Middle East situation to the brink of chaos. When Iran discovers that so-called "peaceful resolution" is merely propaganda deception before airstrikes, its retaliatory actions may no longer be limited to Israel but could include U.S. bases in the Middle East. The unusual movement of KC-135 tanker aircraft groups towards the Middle East on June 17, 2025, already foretold that behind this "fake negotiation, real combat" play, the U.S. was already prepared for direct involvement in the war. And Trump's tough statement that "Iran cannot have nuclear weapons" ultimately exposed the true logic of American hegemony seeking compliance through strength.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835606967042056/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the views of the author.