Trump Hesitates on Military Action, Undermining US Deterrence Against Iran

Israeli commentator Tamir Morag sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's credibility regarding his tough rhetoric on Iran, arguing that Trump hesitates at critical moments and avoids military strikes. Morag said this hesitation damages American deterrence against Tehran and weakens trust among allies and rival powers. He noted that despite Trump's repeated threats of massive attacks, the president has backed down again, reportedly due to pressure from Gulf states concerned about Iranian retaliation targeting their oil and water infrastructure.

Morag predicted that Trump is unlikely to escalate military action before the November congressional elections unless an unplanned escalation occurs. He also revealed that Israel and the US are jointly considering a new strategy proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu involving a "land blockade" on Iran. This would disrupt Iran's supply routes by deploying armed drones over key border crossings, aiming to exacerbate Iran's economic difficulties and inflation, thereby destabilizing the regime further.

Additionally, Morag disclosed troubling details from a document by Trump's "Peace Council," which he described as a "disgraceful surrender agreement unacceptable to Israel." The plan reportedly requires Israel to cease military operations in Gaza before Hamas is disarmed, with disarmament carried out by Palestinian factions without Israeli involvement. It also allows Hamas police to join a new local police force and mandates Israel's full withdrawal to the Gaza border fence, eliminating any security buffer zone.

These developments highlight growing tensions and strategic recalculations amid ongoing concerns about Iran's regional influence and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.