Trump Sends Mixed Signals on Iran, Lebanon and Israel

As U.S. Vice President JD Vance projected optimism in Iran nuclear talks in Switzerland, President Donald Trump delivered a series of contradictory messages on Tehran, Israel and the Middle East. In a Fox News interview and on Truth Social, he threatened to take control of the Strait of Hormuz, warned against continued uranium enrichment, and said that after the 60-day period set in the memorandum of understanding, he could "do whatever he wants." He also warned that if Iran does not restrain Hezbollah in Lebanon, the United States would hit harder than before.

The article says Trump is effectively playing the role of the "bad cop," while Vance handles the diplomatic track and speaks of compromise, dialogue and continued negotiations. The split messaging appears deliberate, with Vance offering the carrot and Trump waving the stick. But the president is also responding to criticism in Israel and in the United States over the Iran memorandum, which critics say gave Tehran a substantial reprieve without addressing core issues such as ballistic missiles, support for terrorist groups and proxies, and Iran's efforts to build a regional ring around Israel.

Trump's latest comments were also meant to signal that the agreement is not final, only a temporary extension of the ceasefire, and that military options remain on the table if Iran breaks the understandings. Yet his remarks on Lebanon created a new problem in Jerusalem. He said he was disappointed that Israel is not able to move Hezbollah and even suggested that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa could do a better, more precise job.

Israeli officials were stunned by the comments, calling them deeply offensive, especially while IDF soldiers are still dying in the fight against Hezbollah. The piece argues that Trump ignored the human cost of the war and Hezbollah's role as an Iranian strategic arm. It concludes that Washington's real concern is that the emerging deal with Iran could collapse because of the fighting in Lebanon, with Trump effectively warning Tehran to keep Hezbollah under control if it wants the agreement to survive.