Why Pick a Fight With Iran Now?
The Atlantic
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump’s decision to potentially escalate tensions with Iran has raised questions about his administration’s objectives. With U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Iran’s top negotiator Abbas Araghchi meeting in Geneva amid a significant military buildup in the region, the situation remains uncertain. The United States has positioned warships and aircraft near Iran, possibly to pressure Tehran into compromising during negotiations. However, Trump’s lack of clarity on the purpose of this potential conflict—whether it’s to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities, protect Iranian protesters, or achieve regime change—has caused concern among Pentagon leaders.
The talks in Geneva are focused on Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic-missile capabilities, and regional proxies, according to U.S. officials. However, Iranian negotiators insist the discussions should solely address their nuclear activities, framing missile technology as a matter of national sovereignty. This divergence highlights the challenges of reaching a diplomatic resolution.
The potential for conflict is further complicated by Iran’s mixed messaging. While some officials have dismissed Trump’s claims as “big lies,” others express hope for a peaceful outcome. The U.S., on the other hand, continues to emphasize its commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, though the vague goals of any military action remain a point of contention.
This situation matters because it underscores the risks of escalating tensions in the
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Originally published on The Atlantic on 2/26/2026