Thank You for Your Inattention to This Matter

This week, Donald Trump made two bold announcements regarding Iran negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the historical significance of such threats, they drew little response from the United States' allies in the region or the global community. Trump has a history of making such threats, including a previous one in May where he threatened to "blow them up" if Oman did not cooperate with U.S. plans for the strait.

However, Trump's credibility has been weakened by his capriciousness and the lack of action to back up his words. His recent announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is now a "NEW U.S. Territory" is seen as nonsense, and his ability to control the strait is doubtful. Trump's frequent promises of nearing a deal with Iran have also proven to be false.

This shift in Trump's approach to threats contrasts with former President Theodore Roosevelt's philosophy of speaking softly and carrying a big stick. The world has grown skeptical of Trump's threats, and they are seen as mere distractions from more important issues. While some of Trump's statements may be dangerous, he needs credibility to enact his agenda, including ending the Iran quagmire.

However, his years of empty boasts and feints on Iran have led other world leaders to not take his statements seriously anymore. Regaining credibility for the United States requires more careful rhetoric and matching actions to words, which is unlikely to happen under Trump.