A Frustrated President Can’t Get the Deal Done

Jonathan Lemire and Nancy Youssef: “Trump’s failure to make a deal doesn’t stem from a lack of desire. He has spent weeks casting about for a way out of the conflict. He has tried to force Iran’s surrender with a series of escalating threats and deadlines. But each time, Iran has called his bluff, and Trump has found ways to extend the cease-fire, which was put in place before Vice President Vance visited Islamabad in mid-April in hopes of securing a broader deal but returned empty-handed.”

“Despite his frequent threats, Trump is reluctant to resume hostilities; aides told us he is mindful of depleted U.S. munitions supplies and fears that Iran would retaliate against the energy infrastructure of its Gulf neighbors, worsening the world’s fuel crisis.”

“Aides believe the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, stopping Iranian oil exports, will eventually cause Iran to buckle. But Trump has expressed impatience with the process and has encouraged negotiators to intensify their efforts.”