Sanctions and Distraction: Trump's Middle Eastern Gamble The United States' prolonged conflict with Iran has been marked by failed military solutions, stalled diplomatic efforts, and an escalating economic pressure campaign.
The Trump administration's latest move – imposing sanctions in the hopes of starving Iran into submission – is less about genuinely seeking a resolution to the crisis than it is about salvaging Republican fortunes ahead of the midterms.
The White House's public posture on Iran masks its private intentions: ensuring that Tehran returns to negotiations on terms favorable to American interests.