President Trump: History will remember Iran, not the US midterms - opinion

The impact of Iran on history will likely outlast the political consequences of the upcoming U.S. midterms, according to President Donald Trump. In an opinion piece, Trump emphasizes that his presidency presents a unique opportunity to alter the course of history, particularly in relation to Iran. Despite the Democrats' victory in Congress, which may be seen as a setback, Trump believes that decisions regarding Iran could have lasting implications for the Middle East.

Trump highlights the irony that Tehran considered the U.S. midterm elections while strategizing, suggesting that mounting political pressure could have bolstered Iran's negotiating position and increased the likelihood of compromise. Iran does not need to defeat the U.S. militarily, but rather convince Washington that the costs of confrontation will eventually become unsustainable.

Over the past five decades, various American presidents have grappled with the same Iranian challenge, employing sanctions, diplomacy, and military operations to weaken the regime. However, despite these efforts, the regime has persisted and adapted. The events of 2026 have created a different situation, with the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and military blows inflicted on Iran potentially shaking the regime.

Tehran retains significant leverage, such as control over the Strait of Hormuz and the presence of highly enriched uranium, which means that destroying nuclear facilities alone may not eliminate the nuclear threat. The Revolutionary Guards remain powerful, and Iran faces the dual challenges of rebuilding military capabilities while maintaining internal political stability.

The window of opportunity for the U.S. to prevent Iran from rebuilding its capabilities and influence is currently unusual. Iran has suffered major military setbacks but still holds considerable leverage. Any agreement between the U.S. and Iran should include verifiable nuclear restrictions, enforceable commitments on freedom of navigation, and mechanisms to respond to violations.

Moreover, any settlement must take into account the political future of the U.S., seeking congressional support beyond Trump's own party and working with regional allies who have a stake in enforcing the outcome. Failure to achieve a durable regional order could result in another power vacuum, as demonstrated by Iraq's experience after removing a dictatorship without securing a stable political future.

President Trump, who has expressed his desire to be remembered as a peacemaker, sees the present moment as one of the defining tests of his ambition. While a temporary agreement may provide political relief, a military victory could demonstrate American power. However, the real achievement would be to transform Iran's present weakness into a future in which its threats cannot be easily rebuilt.

If successful, Trump's legacy will not depend on the outcome of a congressional election, but if he fails, his successor may face a similar adversary armed with the lessons learned from another confrontation it managed to survive.