Trump's foreign policy dilemma laid bare by Iran tensions
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy is increasingly defined by a stark contradiction: while he calls for peace, his administration simultaneously threatens military action, particularly in the tense standoff with Iran. This dilemma was highlighted during a meeting of the Board of Peace, a Middle East coalition Trump formed to stabilize the region, where he delivered an ultimatum to Iran. The situation underscores a broader tension in Trump’s second-term approach—balancing diplomatic efforts with a willingness to use military force more often than anticipated.
Trump has expressed a preference for a diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue, even as his rhetoric against Tehran has escalated. In recent weeks, he has ordered what analysts describe as the largest US military buildup in the Middle East since the Iraq War in 2003. This contrasts sharply with his public calls for diplomacy, raising questions about whether his threats are mere negotiating tactics or genuine preludes to conflict.
The stakes are high, as Trump’s previous threat to Venezuela—a smaller operation—resulted in actual military action. With Iran, however, the rationale for another campaign is far less clear. While Trump and his allies share a goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, Tehran has signaled openness to negotiations on uranium enrichment. However, indirect talks have stalled over US demands that Iran curb its ballistic missile program and reduce support for proxy groups in the region.
Trump’s lack of clarity about the objectives of potential military action against Iran adds another layer of uncertainty. Unlike his approach with Venezuela, he has not explained why another strike would achieve the desired outcome or what broader goals the administration might pursue. This raises questions about whether Trump is aiming for regime change, how the US plans to respond to an Iranian military counterattack, and how a prolonged conflict could
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026