Experts Warn Trump Lost Control, Fueling Iran Conflict

US Policy in Iran Sparks Grave Concerns Among Experts

Washington D.C. – In a stark assessment of the escalating tensions with Iran, analysts Trita Parsi and Michael Weiss have voiced serious concerns, suggesting that President Trump has lost both cognitive and moral control, pushing the United States into a potentially prolonged and dangerous conflict. The remarks, made in a recent discussion, highlight a deep disagreement with the administration’s approach, arguing it has led to a preventable and devastating situation.

Failed Diplomacy and the Shadow of War

Trita Parsi, co-founder of the Quincy Institute and an expert on U.S.-Iran relations, expressed profound disappointment that efforts to avoid war have failed. “I spent a better part of my professional career in the United States to try to avoid this very scenario, this very war,” Parsi stated. He believes that had the U.S. not withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal, the situation would be vastly different today. Parsi argues that the current crisis vindicates warnings that the administration’s hardline approach would lead to disaster, urging for alternative methods to address challenges posed by the Iranian government.

Trump’s Erratic Approach and Escalation

Michael Weiss, a journalist and analyst, directly challenged the notion that the U.S. has lost control of the escalation ladder. Instead, he posited that President Trump himself has lost control of his “cognitive and moral faculties.” Weiss pointed to past proposed strategies, such as arming Iranian Kurds with Israeli weaponry for an insurgency, as examples of erratic and ill-conceived plans. He questioned the logic of seeking regime change while simultaneously threatening to “erase a civilization,” asking who would be responsible for rebuilding the country after such destruction.

“This was a war that was going to be about regime change… The New York Times had a big deep dive into how Trump was led into this war.”

Misguided Perceptions of Iranian Sentiment

A key point of contention raised by both Parsi and Weiss is the administration’s apparent belief that bombing campaigns would be welcomed by the Iranian people seeking freedom. President Trump has suggested that Iranians would be willing to suffer bombings for liberty. Parsi strongly refuted this, stating, “Not at all.” While acknowledging the diversity of opinions within Iran, he argued that any initial hope for democracy through bombs has likely been extinguished by the reality of explosions near homes. He cited a New York Times report suggesting that Israelis had sold Trump the idea that removing the Iranian regime would be easy and supported by a majority inside Iran, a claim Parsi disputes.

The ‘Mow the Lawn’ Strategy and Perpetual Conflict

Weiss elaborated on a potential long-term strategy, described by intelligence officials as “mowing the lawn.” This involves periodic strikes by Israel, with U.S. involvement, to disrupt Iran’s military and nuclear programs every few months. “This is going to have to continue to destroy whatever, wherever the Iranians rebuild,” Weiss explained. He warned that this approach effectively locks the U.S. into a perpetual conflict, potentially making Iran more dangerous and forcing American forces into a state of indefinite vigilance. The strategy, initially perhaps seen as a quick fix by Israel, now appears to draw the U.S. into a commitment that could last for years, if not indefinitely.

A Dangerous Entanglement

The analysts expressed concern that this strategy, even if successful in meeting initial military objectives like destroying missile programs or nuclear facilities, lacks a clear political endgame. The scenario presented suggests a cycle of destruction and rebuilding, with the U.S. and Israel acting as constant disruptors. This entanglement, they argue, is particularly perilous given that a “wounded tiger” like Iran is likely to lash out. Furthermore, the idea of Israel conducting these strikes independently becomes more complex due to geographical distances and logistical needs, potentially requiring more direct U.S. or Gulf Arab state support.

Looking Ahead: An Intelligence Priority

Weiss concluded that this conflict is unlikely to end quickly, despite any “mission accomplished” pageantry. Instead, it is poised to become an even greater intelligence priority for the United States. The ongoing actions, coupled with Iran’s retaliatory measures, mean that the U.S. must remain on guard indefinitely to prevent Iran from rebuilding its capabilities. This situation, they suggest, was predictable and avoidable, but now presents a complex and dangerous challenge for U.S. foreign policy moving forward.

Source: 'Trump has lost control of his cognitive and moral faculties': Michael Weiss (YouTube)