Will Trump relaunch his war on Iran after the midterm elections?
Reports have suggested a vulnerable president could start a new bombing campaign. But that wouldn’t bring a deal any closer
TL;DR
- Speculation surrounds Donald Trump's potential to restart a large-scale war against Iran after the US midterm elections.
- Leaked plans suggest joint US-Israeli military strikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, missile arsenals, and civilian infrastructure.
- Trump may have less to lose politically after the midterms, especially if Republicans face losses.
- A renewed bombing campaign is unlikely to force Iran into concessions or bring Trump closer to declaring victory.
- The article references a previous US-Israeli bombing campaign that began in February, which led to Iranian retaliation, closing the Strait of Hormuz, and increasing global energy prices.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly urging Trump to restart bombing after the midterms for his own political survival.
- Negotiations via Qatar have explored an interim deal involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting port blockades and releasing frozen assets.
- Deep mistrust exists between the US and Iran, exacerbated by Trump's wavering threats and promises.
- A significant Republican defeat in the midterms could lead Trump to take bold, vengeful action, potentially targeting civilian infrastructure and constituting war crimes.
- The article notes that the previous war resulted in the appointment of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, as the new supreme leader, and expanded the influence of hardliners.