Deal /No Deal, Trump’s Iran Contradictions

On March 9, President Donald Trump declared that the war in Iran was "very complete, pretty much," marking the 10th day of the conflict. Six months later, as of nearly Day 180, the administration has unveiled "Operation Economic Outcast," a sanctions campaign aimed at isolating Iran from the global financial system, suggesting that the six months of bombing did not achieve the desired outcome.

Initially, Trump and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran on February 28, with the president predicting a swift military victory and stating that "there will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER." However, after weeks of hardline stance, the administration shifted gears towards negotiations, aiming for a deal that would see Iranian denuclearization and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite these efforts, six months later, there is still no deal in sight and no end date to the conflict, which has cost the US $37.5 billion, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's testimony to Congress in July. The administration's pivot has been marked by a series of promises of a deal nearing completion, interspersed with threats to "finish them off" if Iran does not comply.

In the midst of this, Trump's promises and threats have consistently contradicted one another, revealing a contradictory approach to the Iran crisis.