President Trump’s recent confrontation with Iran is consistent with his longstanding approach to the Middle East – to strengthen America’s national security while seeking to reduce its footprint in the region.

When it came, America’s involvement in the war against Iran seemed to be over before it even began. Seven B-2 bombers struck Iran’s most sensitive underground nuclear site, Fordow, while 30 Tomahawk missiles also hit Natanz and Isfahan. Almost immediately after, Trump declared ‘now is the time for peace!’, signalling his intention to not pursue a broader or more protracted campaign against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The following day he declared the entire conflict over, hailing the end of a so-called ‘12-day war’, warning both Israeli and Iranian leaders to abide by his unilateral declaration of a ceasefire.

Dr Shiraz Maher

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