US President Donald Trump delivered his latest ultimatum to Iran on Thursday during a Board of Peace meeting. Trump formed this Middle East coalition to stabilise the region. He could soon plunge that region into a new war.
The irony of calling for peace while threatening military action highlighted competing impulses in Trump’s second-term foreign policy. The standoff between Washington and Tehran shows this contradiction most clearly. The conflict has escalated quickly and could trigger the largest US air campaign in years.
Trump said he prefers diplomacy and wants a deal that ends Iran’s nuclear weapons programme. A White House official said Iran would be “very wise” to reach an agreement. Trump has intensified his rhetoric against the Islamic Republic in recent weeks. He ordered what analysts describe as the largest US military buildup in the Middle East since the Iraq War in 2003.
This shift shows Trump’s willingness to use military force more often than supporters expected in his second term. He has acted without prior approval from Congress.
Military Threats and Unclear Objectives
Trump’s threat to strike Iran cannot be dismissed as a negotiation tactic. The US followed through with an attack on Venezuela in January after a similar warning. That operation had a narrow objective and ended with the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.
The rationale for another military campaign against Iran remains far less clear. Trump wants Tehran to abandon nuclear ambitions, and US allies share this goal. Iran has weakened under sanctions and protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei. Tehran has signalled openness to negotiate on uranium enrichment.
Indirect talks stalled because the administration demanded limits on Iran’s missile programme and regional proxies. Trump has not explained why another strike now would deliver his desired outcome. A US strike last June already targeted Iran.
Trump claimed that strike “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities. He has not explained why another strike is needed or what new targets would be. His broader objectives in Iran remain unclear.
Strategic Risks and Regional Fallout
Observers question whether the administration seeks regime change in Iran. Analysts also ask whether the US is ready for Iranian retaliation against American bases. A prolonged conflict could affect other US goals in the Middle East, including the Board of Peace process to rebuild Gaza.
Trump has offered few details about potential day-after scenarios. Israel’s role also remains uncertain. Israel joined the US in last year’s strikes and is expected to participate again. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Trump at the White House last week to discuss the situation.
Trump also faces pressure to justify any attack before his State of the Union address next week. He must explain how military action fits his domestic agenda.
Domestic Politics and Peace Prize Ambitions
Trump campaigned in 2024 on disentangling the US from foreign conflicts. That stance appealed to his Maga base and Republicans who oppose foreign interventions. Since taking office, Trump launched multiple attacks in Syria, Venezuela, Iran, and the Caribbean.
A prolonged air campaign against Iran could alienate supporters before midterm elections. Polls show voter frustration over immigration and the economy. Critics accuse Trump of focusing too heavily on foreign affairs.
A major attack would also clash with Trump’s push for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump said he deserves the award for ending eight wars, a claim many dispute. No precedent exists for a US president seeking the prize while using military force abroad.
A Leader Who Thrives on Uncertainty
Global uncertainty surrounds Trump’s motivations as he edges the US closer to war with Iran. That ambiguity may suit him. Trump has embraced the role of global dealmaker since returning to office. He hosted signing ceremonies and international summits like the Board of Peace meeting.
His tariffs forced countries to seek new trade deals with the US. He dominated global headlines with the Venezuela strike and a proposal to seize Greenland. Other nations struggled to interpret his intentions during that dispute.
Trump said on Thursday that the world must wait to see his next move on Iran. “We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen,” he said.
