Iran Gets a Little Less Weird

Peter Zeihan 2 min

Donald Trump extended Iran's deadline by five days. Backing down from the threat represents a victory in the age of Trump II.

  • Donald Trump

Key points

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    Donald Trump extended Iran's deadline by five days.

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    Trump threatened to attack Iran's civilian power plants.

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    Attacking civilian power plants is a war crime.

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    Iran states no talks have ever occurred.

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    Trump created a crisis by inventing breakthrough talks.

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    The administration prefers pushing the war to a military solution.

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    General Kane advised against the threatened attack.

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    Backing down is a victory in the age of Trump II.

Who and where

People · 1

  • Drawing of Donald Trump

    Donald Trump 4

    President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)

    Photo 1

1. Photo: Daniel Torok, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons · Wikidata · redrawn in our house style (Donald Trump)

4:43

What Does This Ceasefire Actually Mean?

Peter Zeihan

If Trump accepts Iranian terms, it would be the greatest capitulation of American power in the Middle East in the history of the Republic. Trump has either lost his mind or he's gotten so bored of the situation, he's willing to do anything to move on.

5:40

The Iran War: Enter Sting Interceptors

Peter Zeihan

Preserving global infrastructure now runs through Kiev, as Gulf states realize the need for Ukrainian tech. The best chance for preserving infrastructure runs through Kiev, and Gulf states will likely invest immense cash there.

27:53

What You AREN’T Being Told About the War in Iran

Paul J. Warburg

The war in Iran consists of two distinct conflicts where the US wins the first but loses the second. The US will declare victory in the first war while ignoring the second, effectively losing it.

9:25

Will the U.S. and Iran Reach a Deal?

Peter Zeihan

Real negotiations aren't happening because the State Department is listless and without leadership, while Ansum Manir represents American interests in talks with Iran. We will see whether real negotiations that actually involve an American citizen begin once we hit a record low for global inventories.

5:55

Iran Diplomacy Has Yet to Begin

Peter Zeihan

Meaningful diplomacy has not begun because Trump refuses to allow lower-level officials to do their jobs. The entire region remains in a holding pattern until Trump realizes only a political deal can end the situation.

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