Iran Got Trump All Wrong
RealClearPolitics
by Kenneth McKenzie, New York TimesMarch 1, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
For decades, Iran has employed a series of manipulative strategies to deter U.S. military action and influence regional dynamics. By bluffing American presidents, using proxy campaigns against its neighbors, and delaying negotiations, Iran has successfully countered superpower initiatives. However, recent developments, including the U.S. strikes on Iran in early 2023, signal a turning point. These actions reflect the failure of Iran's long-standing approach of negotiating in bad faith, which has now backfired, leading to direct confrontation.
The military campaign launched by the U.S. is directly tied to Iran's history of foot-dragging and obfuscation during negotiations. Instead of reaching mutually beneficial agreements, Iranian leaders have consistently avoided commitments, hoping to maintain their influence without significant concessions. This strategy, which once allowed Iran to deter attacks from a global superpower, has now proven unsustainable. The strikes on Iran demonstrate that the U.S. is no longer willing to tolerate such tactics, marking a shift in the balance of power.
The significance of this shift lies in its potential to reshape U.S.-Iran relations and regional stability. By taking direct military action, the U.S. has signaled a new era of engagement, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels
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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 3/1/2026