The inflammatory language in President Trump’s recent tweet, demanding Tehran’s evacuation and reiterating his unfounded claim that Iran must be barred from nuclear weapons, represents a disgraceful departure from diplomatic conduct. True leaders, which Trump clearly is not, avoid fanning the flames of conflict with provocative demands; they pursue diplomacy to prevent disaster. This aggressive stance underscores that war is no answer—it only leads to more violence and chaos in an already unstable region.
Trump’s history further erodes his credibility. His track record is littered with unfulfilled promises, from his first term’s empty pledges to the failure of his so-called “deal” with Iran. The 2018 exit from the JCPOA, which Iran complied with until then (per IAEA findings), and the resulting spike in tensions highlight his diplomatic shortcomings. His mishandling of Ukraine is equally telling. This latest threat is likely another empty boast, doomed to unravel under examination.
Iran, a nation with a formidable defense system and a legacy of endurance, demonstrated by its perseverance through the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), will not yield to this hostility. It will staunchly protect itself against any assault, as it did against Israel’s unprovoked attack five days ago. That strike, a blatant act of aggression, failed to meet any of Israel’s goals, from disrupting Iran’s nuclear program to diminishing its determination. This lack of success is now pulling Israel’s patron, the United States, into the conflict.
If the U.S. dives into this war, it will be the starkest proof yet that Israel has faltered, forcing its patron to step in. Yet the fate of the patron will mirror that of its ally—both will find themselves trapped in a morass, confronting a resolute opponent and a region united against their overreaching ambitions. We hope for reason to prevail in Washington but dread the inevitable consequences of this reckless misstep.