Trump Uses Controlled Escalation in Iran to Pressure for Political Deal Ahead of November Midterms

Middle East analyst Yoni Ben Menachem discussed the rising tensions between the United States and Iran in a recent interview, describing the situation as a "controlled escalation." He explained that President Donald Trump is leveraging ongoing attacks against Iranian military presence, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, to weaken Iran's strategic foothold. This military pressure is part of a broader strategy aimed at securing a political agreement with Tehran.

Ben Menachem emphasized that both the U.S. and Iran are engaging in a form of "negotiation under fire," with an unspoken understanding to avoid direct hits on American soldiers. As long as U.S. troops remain unharmed, this dynamic is expected to continue through the November midterm elections. The analyst noted that despite American claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian forces still maintain influence and continue to target ships and tankers in the area.

The controlled military actions serve to gradually erode Iran's presence, making it easier for the U.S. to assert dominance over the strategic waterways if a decision is made in the future. Ben Menachem concluded that this "show" of force will persist until after the elections, aligning with Trump's political timeline and diplomatic goals.