TEHRAN – Since Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th US president, the unity that once seemed to characterize his support base for the Democratic Party has begun to fracture, revealing deep divisions over the country’s foreign policy, particularly with regard to Iran. I made it.
The Trump administration is currently navigating its second term and faces a pivotal moment in which past policies and new appointments could mend or widen these rifts.
Recent actions in U.S.-Iranian relations under Trump include the 2015 joint agreement with which Trump withdrew under the heavy influence of the Israeli lobby in 2018, reinstated harsh sanctions against Iran, and expanded the economic It is shaped by the Japan Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). A war against its population.
This move set the stage for a policy of “maximum pressure” aimed at curbing Iran’s civilian nuclear program and influence in the region.
In a separate series of actions, the Trump administration designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization and in early 2020, the highly respected Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani, who was in Iraq on a peace mission, Assassinated the general.
After General Soleimani’s assassination, Iran retaliated by launching missile strikes on American military bases in Iraq. These attacks, which represented the first direct attack on a US base since World War II, left American service members “brain dead,” according to US media reports.
While some may perceive it as a monolith, the Trump coalition is currently drawn into two contrasting factions.
Group A: Radical Zionists and War Hawks
This faction, made up of figures like Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, Mike Waltz, Michael Huckabee, and Miriam Adelson, fervently promotes a belligerent US presence in West Asia and is a strong advocate of the Israeli regime. cooperation at the expense of a narrow focus.
Their attitude towards Iran is rooted in hostility and escalatory measures, pushing for an aggressive military strategy and crippling economic sanctions against Israel’s colonialism and perceived dire threat to regional order. Eliminate those who claim to be
Group B: Supporters of “America First”
In contrast, this faction, led by personalities such as J.D. Vance, Elbridge Colby, Mike Dimino, Tucker Carlson, Thomas Massie, and Rand Paul, prioritizes domestic issues and strategic competition with China over West Asian entanglements. Masu.
They advocate a policy that minimizes U.S. military involvement in West Asia, with a focus on strengthening America’s borders, economy, and regional influence in the United States.
Dimino’s appointment as Secretary of Defense for the Middle East (West Asia), given his background as a pragmatic advocate of restraint with Iran, and Colby’s skepticism of military action against Tehran, makes him a more diplomatic or at least less likely person. The transition shows a confrontational approach.
Recent developments and signals regarding Trump’s Iran policy reflect the influence of both groups and his instincts and initiations.
Trump’s recent comments about potentially negotiating a deal with Iran, while not endorsing direct talks, signal a willingness to explore diplomatic avenues.
This is further underlined by the role of Steve Witkoff, who has been entrusted with managing Iranian diplomacy according to the Financial Times after claiming his role in urging Israel to accept the Gaza ceasefire.
Trump was asked at an Oval Office event whether he would choose Witkoff for the role and whether he would ask Witkoff to speak directly to the Iranians.
He said “no” to the latter question, which appeared to be about a direct lecture, but Witkoff said it was “certainly someone I would use” and strongly endorsed his work in Gaza. I added my praise.
But the inclusion of Rubio, Walz, and other warhawks in the Trump administration dangerously swayed him into bellicose action against Iran, pushing for extreme “maximum pressure” tactics and even military strikes, and can escalate tensions to dangerous levels.
Some interpret the revocation of Iran Hawks security details like Mike Pompeo, Brian Hook, and John Bolton as a move away from the “maximum pressure” campaign. However, this can also be seen as a reaction to personal or loyalty issues rather than a definitive policy change.
“The Hawks are big, but the end goal is the same.”
To help explain this perceived dichotomy in the Trump administration, Tehran Times spoke with Mohammed Mehdi Abbasi, an expert on US affairs.
Abbasi noted that “diplomacy and pressure from Trump himself have been instrumental in reaching the recent ceasefire in Gaza, despite opposition from individuals such as Rubio and Walz.” did.
Experts also emphasized that the ceasefire in Gaza is seen as a major victory for Hamas and a setback for the Israeli regime.
“Tweets from figures like Tom Cotton and Nikki Haley and other War Hawks suggested they were dissatisfied with the Gaza ceasefire and saw it as a defeat for Israel. These two The first serious disagreement between the two factions was with Gaza. The second issue that has recently come to prominence is Iran.
“However, it should be noted that Group B individuals like Elbridge Colby are not necessarily opposed to maximum pressure or military options against Iran,” Abbasi added.
He argues that they may seek diplomacy first, but if that fails, they will resort to maximum pressure and perhaps military options as they seek to neutralize Iran.
“We face one of the most anti-Iranian and extremist cabinets in U.S. history. 80% of the cabinet appears to be from Israel’s Likud party, not the Republican Party. ” Abbasi emphasized.
He said, “In this environment, assuming Group B individuals truly support diplomacy with Iran, Rubio, Heggs, Walz, and even Group A’s Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz… He added that he will face a lot of challenges and obstruction from people like Republican senators.
He concluded that Trump might say today, “I want to keep Iran from going nuclear,” but members of his Cabinet and other key figures around him disagree. , concluded to be even more confrontational towards Iran.