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Israel and Iran are playing a dangerous game of chicken that will not be able to be stopped forever

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An Israeli attack on military targets in Iran over the weekend is becoming an increasingly routine occurrence within the decades-long rivalry between the 2 countries.

Israel has conducted low-level or “unofficial” operations in Iran previously, but for the reason that October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on southern Israel and the next Israeli war in Gaza, tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated into direct military confrontation for the primary time.

While the implications of this particular strike are not yet clear, it shows that violence within the Middle East will not end any time soon. It can also be a clear example of how easily one conflict – on this case in Gaza – can escalate into latest conflicts with unintended consequences.

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But beyond Gaza and the Palestinians, other dimensions are at play. Relations between Israel and post-revolution Iran have never been good. The Iranian government does he called for the destruction of Israeland Israel used its foreign intelligence service, Mossad, to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program murders AND cyber war.

In its latest direct attack on Iran, Israel attacked military targets within the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan and Eelam from the air, causing minor damage to military facilities and killing 4 soldiers. Israel consulted with the U.S. State Department on its plans, however the United States was not directly involved within the strikes.

Although Tehran is downplaying the extent of the destruction, the Iranian regime has not ruled out a response that should keep the region in suspense for weeks to come. In fact, some hardliners in Iran’s parliament say the strike has crossed the ia red line response is obligatory.

Armed Israeli Air Force planes fly out from an undisclosed location to attack Iran last weekend.
Israeli Army/Ho/AP

Who is to blame here?

Answering the query “who started it?” on this conflict it’s not that easy.

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If you asked the Iranians, they might say that the primary escalation occurred in early April Israel attacked the Iranian diplomatic complex in Damascus, Syriakilling, amongst others, two senior Iranian generals.

If you asked Israelis, they might say that Hezbollah’s attacks in northern Israel last yr are actually Iran throwing stones because Hezbollah is combat representative of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran twice responded to Israeli attacks on its territory with barrages of rockets and drones carrying explosives – once in retaliation for a consulate strike AND again in early October after Ismail Haniyeh, one of the leaders of Hamas, was died as a result of a strike in Tehran. The latest Israeli airstrike was a direct response to Iran’s retaliation that took place in early October.

US President Joe Biden he said after the newest Israeli attack “I hope this is over” – an attempt to get either side to stop escalating. But unfortunately that is not his calling.

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Maintaining a delicate balance

There is a reason why direct military attacks between nations are rare, even between sworn enemies. When attacking one other country, it’s difficult to predict exactly the way it will react, although a retaliatory attack is nearly often expected.

This is because defense forces are not only used to fight and win wars – they are also obligatory to deter them. When a fighting force is attacked, it’s important that it counterattacks to maintain the assumption that it may well deter future attacks and show its capabilities. This is what is occurring between Israel and Iran at once – neither side wants to appear weak.

If that is the case, where does escalation end? De-escalation is actually a game of chicken – one side must be content with not responding to an attack aimed toward lowering the temperature.

However, states are under equal pressure to select whether to respond to an attack or de-escalate.

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On the one hand, showing that the military is unable to respond to an external threat is unacceptable and theoretically encourages further attacks. Unused repellent is not a repellent.

On the opposite hand, there may be a risk that retaliation will turn into a complete conflict with the opponent. In the case of Israel and Iran, this could almost actually mean the involvement of American forces – a terrible prospect.

Fortunately, this end result is unlikely. There are signs that each Iran and Israel are using their attacks to “save face” and maintain deterrence reasonably than further escalate tensions, given that each countries have carried out attacks on non-essential targets.

Both sides have reasons to avoid greater conflict. Israel just opened second front against its adversaries, targeting and facing Hezbollah in Lebanon the most important conventional fighting force within the region if total war broke out with Iran.

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Iran’s leaders have come under domestic pressure in recent times due to widespread public discontent. Iran would reasonably proceed to attack Israel through its proxies and maintain plausible deniability, as direct war could threaten the regime’s survival.

However, this latest strike can also be a reminder that the longer conflicts last, the less likely they are to be contained. For greater than a yr, the war in Gaza has raised tensions within the region to a fever pitch. A ceasefire would make a significant contribution to reducing these tensions and stopping the spread of political violence within the region – before it is just too late.

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Trump goes to the Persian Gulf aimed at strengthening commercial ties – but side talks about Tehran, Gaza can conduct a wedge between us and Israel

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President Donald Trump will sit down Saudi leaders Prince and Emirati and Katari May 14, 2025 in what’s strongly advertised as high rate peak. Not invited and fastidiously observing, will probably be Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Like many other members of his right -wing coalition, Netanyahu He looked delighted with the election Trump as the US president in November, believing that a republican policy in the Middle East would undoubtedly be conducive to Israeli interests and could be strictly coordinated with Netanyahu himself.

But it didn’t play that way. Of course, Washington stays – definitely in official communication – Israel’s strongest global ally AND Main weapon supplier. But Trump promotes the Middle East policy, which sometimes clearly contrary to the interests of Netanyahu and his government.

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In fact in by pressing the Iranian nuclear agreement “Trump’s first reversal reversal,” Trump undermines Netanyahu’s long positions. This is the level of alarm in Israeli right -wing circles There were rumors Trump proclaiming unilateral US support for the Palestinian state before visiting Riyadh – something that might be a clear departure for Washington.

As Historian of Israel and a wider Middle EastI understand that in key ways of the Trump program in Riyadh it’s a continuation of the US policy, especially in the security relationship with the monarchs of the Arab Bay – something that Israel has long been accepted if it just isn’t openly supported. But during the journey it can also place a significant daylight between Trump and Netanyahu.

Trump’s official program

Four -day trip to the bay A foreign visit based on politics Since the election of the president, the development of economic ties and security between the US and traditional allies in the Persian Gulf has been more on the surface.

Trump is anticipated to strengthen commercial agreements with a value of tens of billions of dollars between the states of the Arab Bay, including unprecedented Shopping of weaponsIN Investments in the Persian Gulf in the USA and Even a floating gift katari Pałacowa 747 intended to be used as an air force.

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There can be a possibility Safety alliance between the USA and Saudi Arabia.

So far, so good for the Israeli government. Before the attacks on October 7, Israel was already in the technique of forging Closer to connections with the Persian Gulf countrieswith contracts and diplomatic relations established with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain by Abraham Accords that the Trump administration itself facilitated in September 2020. In the race there was also potential normalization of the bond with Saudi Arabia.

Coping with Tehran

But the central program this week in Riyadh will probably be issues by which Trump and Netanyahu are increasingly not on the same page. And it starts with Iran.

Although the country won’t be represented, Iran could have a large participation at the Trump summit, since it coincides with the ongoing diplomatic conversations of the US administration with Tehran on the nuclear program. These negotiations have ended now Four rounds. And despite the clear challenges, American and Iranian delegations still provide optimism about the possibility of achieving the contract.

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Iranian newspapers in Tehran convey news about talks with the USA on May 12, 2025.
Fateteh Bahrami/Anadol via Getty Images

The approach is after all a change for Trump, which in 2018 He abandoned a similar contract To the one that he’s in search of now. He also suggests that the USA is currently against the ideas of direct armed confrontation with Iran, against Netanayhu’s clear preferences.

Diplomacy with Tehran can be favored by the Persian Gulf states as a way to conclude Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Even Saudi Arabia-Długotymin regional rival in Tehran, which, like Israel, opposed Iran’s nuclear diplomacy from Obama-Caus and more often is in search of more cautious commitment to Iran. In April Was visited by the Minister of Saudi Defense Tehran before the last US-Iranian negotiations.

Netanyahu has He built his political profession with an upcoming threat from nuclearized Iran and the need to jump this threat in the embryo. He unsuccessfully tried to undermine the initial efforts of President Barack Obama so as to reach an agreement with Iran – as a results of which the Iran nuclear agreement from 2015. But Netanyahu was more lucky with Obama’s successor, helping to persuade Trump to withdraw from the agreement in 2018.

So Trump turned to Iran’s conversations, annoyed Netanyahu-not only since it happened, but also since it happened so publicly. In April, the US president called Netanyahu to the White House and openly embarrassed him Washington conducts diplomatic negotiations with Tehran.

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Divide into Yemen

A transparent indication of the potential tension between the Trump administration and the Israeli government can be observed in ongoing skirmishes regarding USA, Israel and Houthi in Yemen.

After Houthis fired a missile At the airport in Tel Aviv on May 4 – which led to the closure and cancellation of many international flights – Israel hit the airport and other objects in the capital of Yemenu.

But just a few hours after the Israeli attack, Trump announced that the USA Houthis would not hit Already, because they “gave up” his demands and agreed not to block the transition of American ships in the Red Sea.

It became clear that Israel was not involved on this latest understanding between the USA and Houthi. Trump’s statement was also noteworthy in his time and can be considered an attempt to calm the region as a part of his trip to Saudi Arabia. The proven fact that this can also help smooth out conversations with Iran – Tehran is Houthis’s foremost sponsor – He was probably also a factor.

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Time can be necessary in Israel Last attack on the Yemeni ports. They took place on May 11 – on the eve of Trump she set out to visit Saudi Arabia. In this fashion, Netanyahu can send a signal not only to Houthi, but also to the USA and Iran. The continuation of the Houthis attack can make nuclear conversations difficult.

Bibi political approach political approach

Critical observers of Netanyahu I even have been arguing for a very long time that he Priorities are ongoing continuation of the war in Gaza over regional calmness due to sticking to its far -right coalition, whose members Full control of the Gaza Belt and de-facto annexation of the West Bank.

The man holds a poster with a false cartoon bomb.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns against Iran’s nuclear threat at the UN in 2012.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

This, argued many political commentators, is the foremost reason why Netanyahu He withdrew from the last stage Suspension agreements with Hamas in March – something that might require the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza State.

From the fall of the weapon suspension, Israel’s army mobilized As a part of the preparation for the renovated gauze robber, scheduled after the end of Trump’s trip to the Persian Bay.

With members of the Netanayh government Opening support A everlasting seizure of the belt and declaration The proven fact that restoring the other Israeli hostages is not any longer the highest priority, it seems to me that deescation just isn’t in the order of Netanyahu.

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Trump himself recently noticed each the alarming state of hostages and serious humanitarian crisis In gas. Now, as well as to the release of the Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, the USA can be involved in negotiations With Hamas due to the suspension of weapons and help – ignoring Netanyahu on this process.

Bottom dollar

The current US policy in the region can serve Trump a greater goal: billions of dollars money for the American economy and Some saidalone. But achieving this requires a stable Middle East, and the continuation of the war in Gaza and Iran, approaching nuclear abilities, can disturb this goal.

Of course, the diplomatic agreement on Tehran’s nuclear plans remains to be distant. And Trump’s foreign policy is especially susceptible to turns. But no matter whether the trader’s instinct to proceed commercial and economic contracts with the wealthy states of the Persian Gulf, or true – and related – the desire to stabilize the region, its administration is increasingly pursuing policies contrary to the interests of the current Israeli government.

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Trump raising sanctions in Syria is also a win for Turkey – pointing to the great role of central powers can play in regional matters

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President Donald Trump Announced during the stay in Saudi Arabia May 14, 2025 that the United States Raise sanctions against Syria. The phrase was a huge victory of the government of the President of Syria Ahmad Al-Sharaa, when he tries to consolidate power for almost six months after the stunning movement of his movement of his long-time Bashar Al Assad regime.

But it was not in lobbying in Syria by itself behalf. By announcing a change of politics, Trump largely assigned a change to his Saudi hosts and also Türkiye. Both nations are Assad’s long-term enemies who quickly advocated Al-Sharaa and force the US to normalize connections with the latest Syria government.

Türkiye, whose resources and earth were strongly affected by instability in neighboring Syria, was especially instrumental Pushing Trump Accept the Post-Assad government, even compared to Israel’s reservations.

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How Experts from diplomacy AND Turkish law and politicsWe consider that the development in Syria indicates the Ponadzorska role that a small and average power in regional and international matters can play. This is very true in the Middle East, where world powers, comparable to the USA decreasing and sometimes unpredictable influence.

Opening in Syria

After 13 years destructive civil warSyria is facing a lot of large challenges, including the direct task of constructing the state. Violence is not only willingly visible in Syria itself – as recently Killing AlawitesIN allegedly By government forces or fighters adapted to them, they showed – but the neighboring Israel also has also Positions attacked repeatedly in Syria to weaken the latest government. For the Israeli government, strong, militarized Syria could be a threat, especially in relation to the unstable border on Golan Heights.

Despite the problems that confront the latest government of Syria, she has Nevertheless, it was demonstrated The extraordinary ability to obtain international acceptance-a significant fact, making an allowance for the leadership of Al-Sharaa It is related to Hayat Tahrir Al-Shambefore Linked Al-Qaeda group as one of the foreign terrorist organizations in the USA since 2014.

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Türkiye presses its influence

In this context, Turkey’s hand was particularly essential.

The office, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, has taken over time he pressed American president to raise sanctions. Two men hit strong relationship During the first administration of Trump with the President of the USA declaring as “a big fan“Turkish leader.

Diplomacy from behind the scenes in Turkey can be seen as part of a wider effort to fill the vacuum left with the fall of Assad. Doing this not only strengthens Erdogan’s position as a regional player, but also develops his national program.

Türkiye quickly moved on quite a few fronts on the chart of the future Syria course, realizing Economic and safety projects in the country. First of all, Türkiye raised its own Investments in Syria.

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Also, because it was Libya AND SomaliaTürkiye has contributed to the training and equipment of latest Syrian security forces.

In the north -eastern Syrian province in Idlib, Türkiye funds education, healthcare and electricity in addition to Turkish lira It is de facto currency in northern Syria.

The roots of these commitments are in the interest of Turkey management of its own security situation.

Since 1984, Türkiye has been fighting Kurdish separatist groups, in particular the Kurdistan of the Workers’ Party or PKK, which is in line with Kurdish Militia YPG In north -eastern Syria – one of the groups that fought with Assad’s forces during the civil war in Syria.

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Syrian Kurd Macha’s Flaga YPG near the Qamishli airport in northern Syria on December 8, 2024.
Delil Souleiman/AFP via Getty Images

Assad’s fall led Russia from Syria. Meanwhile, Iranian influence also decreased not only as a result of not only Assad’s departure, but also to lowering the military Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. And USA It doesn’t support anymore Kurdish Militia YPG in north -eastern Syria.

In this void of external influence, Türkiye quickly took advantage of the opportunity to transform the security landscape.

Ankara, who still controls large pieces of territory in the northeast of Syria From the fight against Assad and Syrian Kurdish groups, He agreed to the Syrian set To activate the YPG, armed wing of Kurdish Syrian Democratic Syndrome or SDF to the latest Syrian army.

The Turkish perspective has long been that the fight against PKK can achieve success in the long term with stability in the Syrian land. Now PKK is trying to achieve a room with the Turkish government, but whether SDF in Syria disarms and solves removed from certain. As such, a strong, stable Syrian government, in which the majority of Kurdish majority is accommodated, can be in the best interest of Ankar.

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Meanwhile, the success of Al-Sharaa in the reconstruction of Syria after the Civil War would help Turkey on one other front: the issue of Syrian refugees.

Türkiye is currently the host 3.2 million Refugees from Syria – most of each country. The very number and length of the stay of these resettled people burdened the economy and social relations of Turkey, leading to clashes between the Turks and Syrian refugees.

There is also a wide consensus in Turkey that the problem with Syrian refugee in Turkey can only be solved through a comprehensive return strategy.

Although the naturalized Syrians in Turkey are a crucial electoral district at the electoral base of the ruling AK Erdogan party, the only solution provided for currently by President Turkish and his allies is repatriation. For this purpose, the rapid and stable development of infrastructure and housing in Syria is considered obligatory.

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Three men greet in the room.
Donald Trump looks at how the Saudi prince Mohammed Bin Salman welcomes the President of Syrian Ahmad Al-Sharaa on May 14, 2025. Confab also had Turkish fingerprints.
Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP

Perspectives for small ones

However, Turkey’s strategic probability in Syria is not without a clear risk. The Wtchody of the Israeli army illustrate the challenge that Türkiye stands in developing its own interests in Syria. It is price noting that Trump’s statement regarding sanctions was seemingly announced without knowledge – and Contrary to wishes – Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In addition, Türkiye wants to equalize a growing role in the region to strengthen its position in relation to a long -term dispute in Cyprus. The island, which lies a few hundred miles from the coast of Syria, is divided into two regions, with Greek Cypriots in the south and tearing the Turkish Cypryk north – with Only Türkiye recognizes Self -proclaimed condition in the north. Türkiye is trying to regulate sea jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean Agreement with SyriaBut the plan is stuck in a deadline because the European Union supports the position of Greece in Cyprus.

However, Turkish movements in Syria are widely felt elsewhere. Arab nations comparable to Saudi Arabia and Qatar support Post-Assad setting in Syria and see that their very own interests are given along with Turkey, although rivalry The rates are threatened with the Sunni world.

The US will raise sanctions by the US can have long -term political effects exceeding short -term economic effects. Syria has small direct trade In the United States, he only exports his agricultural products and antiques. But the appearance of a political ID and recognition is diplomatic Win for Turkeyand also for Syria. The political opening brings with it The promise of future investments in Syria.

Coping with Syria shows how small Statecraft waters can be marked in their very own way. Days of international affairs dominated by superpowers seem to end – like Many have long anticipated. And in Syria, Türkiye provides a plan on how small they can work in their favor.

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Trump has signed a lot of contracts in the Middle East, but they are not closer to two “offers” that he really wants

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The visit of US President Donald Trump in the Arab countries in the Middle East this week generated many offers price many billion dollars. He said that transactions price over $ 1 trillion (USD 1.5 trillion) were signed with the Saudi Arabia itself, although Indeed the sum It might be much lower.

Qatar also placed Order for 210 Boeing aircraftWarta agreement reported $ 96 billion ($ 149 billion). Trump will undoubtedly present these transactions as the most important success for the American industry.

The journey also helped to counteract the fears of withdrawing from the Middle East. For over a decade, the local elites saw Washington’s attention as moving away from the region.

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This journey was confirming the meaning of the Middle East – in particular the Persian Gulf region – for US foreign policy. This is a very important signal to send to the Middle East leaders who are coping with competing interests from China and, to a lesser extent, Russia.

And from the political point of view of Trump about the abolition of sanctions for Syria and meeting with a former rebel, currently president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, was very significant-symbolically and practically.

Until recently, Al-Sharaa was mentioned by the United States as a terrorist with USD 10 million ($ 15 million) on the head. However, when his strength removed the dictator Bashar al-Assad from power in December, he was fastidiously welcomed by many in the international community.

Donald Trump, on the right, hugs his hands with the temporary President of Syria, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, in Riyjada, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Royal Palace/AP

The United States has invested significant resources in removing Assad from power, so its fall was a reason to have a good time, even when he got here from the hands of strength, the US recognized terrorists.

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This quick return is dizzying. In practice, the removal of sanctions in Syria opens the door to foreign investment in the reconstruction of the country after a long civil war.

It also gives a likelihood for Saudi Arabia and Qatar, in addition to Turkey to expand its influence in Syria at the expense of Iran.

For a leader who presents the creator of the transaction, all this will be considered successful results from a three -day journey.

However, Trump avoided wading diplomatic and political negotiations needed to end Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza and finding a common plane with Iran as part of the nuclear program.

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No solution for Palestinians

Trump defeated the ongoing tragedy in Gaza and did not offer any diplomatic plans for the solution to the war that is ending endlessly.

The president did it Pay attention to his desire See the normalization of relations between the Arab countries and Israel, without recognizing a key obstacle.

While Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates do not love Hamas, the war in gas and misery brought on by Palestinians prevented them from overlooking this problem. They cannot just hop over the gases to normalize relationships with Israel.

In his first term, Trump hoped that the Palestinian issue may very well be pushed to the side to achieve the normalization of relations between the Arab countries and Israel. This was partly achieved thanks to Abraham Accordsin which ZAA and three other Muslim nations will destroy relations with Israel.

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Trump undoubtedly believed that the suspension of Israel-Hamas weapons agreed just before its inauguration-he was the same during the US election campaign.

But after Israel unilaterally broke the suspension of the weapon in March, swearing to the mass bombardment of gauze, he learned how what the Palestinian Palestinian query can’t be easily solved or brushed under the carpet.

Palestinian pursuit of statehood ought to be taken care of as a vital step towards everlasting peace and regional stability.

He said that Trump did not stop in Israel this week. One former Israeli diplomat says This is a sign that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his lever with Trump.

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There is nothing that Netanyahu has, what Trump wants, needed or (which) can, unlike, say, Saudis, Cathars (or) Emiratis.

More acute rhetoric for Iran

Trump also had no recent details or initiatives to announce Iranian nuclear conversations, aside from his desire “contract“And his repetition of past threats.

At least 4 rounds of conversations from Iran took place between Iran and the United States. While either side are positive about perspectives, the US administration seems to be divided into the intended result.

A special envoy of the American Middle East Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for complete dismantling of Iran’s ability to enrich uranium As some protection against the potential weapons of the nuclear program.

Iranian every day newspaper with headers “negotiations, hard but useful” over a photo of the Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and the American envoy in the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
Abedin Taherkeareh/EPA

However, Trump himself was less categorical. Although he called “Total disassembly“Nuclear Iran, he has Also said He is undecided if Iran should have the ability to proceed the civil enrichment program.

Iran’s ability to enrich uranium, although as part of international monitoring, is a red line for the authorities in Tehran – they do not surrender.

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It seems that the difference between Iran and the USA has expanded this week Trump’s attack About Iran as the “most destructive strength” in the Middle East. Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi Called Trump’s “pure fraud” and showed us support for Israel as a source of instability in the region.

None of this has developed the prospects of the nuclear agreement. And although his visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Zea were marked by a pump and ceremony, he would not leave a solution to the solution to two prolonged challenges than when he arrived.

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