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Matt Duss on Iran and Trump strategy

Iran's decision to hold fire while the US conducts strikes on Qeshm Island suggests a calculated move to offer Trump an exit. Matt Duss, former foreign policy adviser to Bernie Sanders, explains that Tehran perceives the president understands the political cost of war and is choosing restraint to lay out a golden bridge for him. This quiet approach denies Benjamin Netanyahu the Iranian overreaction he seeks that would force a US response. According to Duss, these unannounced attacks reported by US officials to the Wall Street Journal are actually dangerous because they test whether Iran maintains this diplomatic opening. If cooperation stops, the period of no fighting for months could end immediately. Donald Trump told reporters there is no war to return from, and oil prices dropped $10 following hopes for a deal.

1d

Jolyon@jolyon

Follow

Matt Duss on Iran and Trump strategy

Iran's decision to hold fire while the US conducts strikes on Qeshm Island suggests a calculated move to offer Trump an exit. Matt Duss, former foreign policy adviser to Bernie Sanders, explains that Tehran perceives the president understands the political cost of war and is choosing restraint to lay out a golden bridge for him. This quiet approach denies Benjamin Netanyahu the Iranian overreaction he seeks that would force a US response. According to Duss, these unannounced attacks reported by US officials to the Wall Street Journal are actually dangerous because they test whether Iran maintains this diplomatic opening. If cooperation stops, the period of no fighting for months could end immediately. Donald Trump told reporters there is no war to return from, and oil prices dropped $10 following hopes for a deal.

1d