Concession? Hardly. Donald Trump has decided to play a long game with Iran, and knows where to hit the IRGC. In its pocketbook.
The regime remnants in Tehran have played games for the last few days about whether they will show up for Islamabad II: Taqqiya Boogaloo, and whether or not the regime will honor any agreement. John reported earlier today that J.D. Vance had postponed his departure until Iran committed to the talks, likely hoping to stall long enough to get Trump to lift the blockade and extend the ceasefire. The blockade is costing the regime over $400 million a day, and contra certain Iran-cheering members of the Senate, the US Navy is making sure that income remains at zero.
With Iran playing for time, Trump decided to play some strategic jiujitsu with the IRGC. Trump won’t end the ceasefire, but until Iran makes and honors a final deal settling the war, the blockade will remain in place:
STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP:
Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal. I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other. President DONALD J. TRUMP
This is the best position Trump can take. Bombing Iran further will do real damage to Iran’s ability to rebuild later. Cutting off their exports does real damage to the regime’s ability to maintain its hold on power. They can’t pay their rank-and-file thugs, and unemployment will skyrocket even more in the private sector.
[more to come
Editor’s Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
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