Trump Naively Destroying America by Threatening Iran and Yemen

Letter to the Editor: Mehdi Alavi

During his campaign and presidency, United States President Donald Trump has publicly wished his legacy to be a ‘peacemaker and unifier’. Although he might be moving in the right direction in Ukraine, his policy in the Middle East undermines it.  

Mr. Trump is native and has surrounded himself with like minded people. He thinks by bullying other countries like Iran or Yemen, they will suddenly bow to the United States (US). Such bullying is counterproductive – Iran will become more resolute to clear the region from the US presence and Yemen will not back down from supporting the oppressed Palestinians. Trump should not underestimate Iran or Yemen, two proud nations with thousands of years of history.  Currently, Iran is a significant regional power with powerful allies.

On March 5, Trump sent a threatening letter to Iran insisting on a two-month deadline to reach a new nuclear deal. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected direct negotiations with the United States regarding a nuclear agreement.  

On March 15, Trump posted on Truth Social, “To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!”  He also threatened Iran, saying, “America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”

From the very start of the conflict, Yemeni Houthi terms were clear: they would block ships destined for Israel as long as Israel blocked aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. However, instead of respecting the Houthi moral stand, Trump launched airstrikes against them. In addition, he continues to send military aid to enable Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.  

Iranians considered Trump’s remark as an insult, especially coming from a country with less than 250 years history against the Persians with over 2,500 years of civilization. Trump’s threat may serve as a catalyst pushing Iran toward nuclear weapons. While this perspective shift is not new to Iran, current progress indicates concrete progress.

On March 28, Iran officially responded to Trump’s letter. As expected, it declined direct negotiation as long as there exists “maximum pressure policy” and “threats of military strikes”.

Iran would immediately destroy all the US bases nearby. Within days, US regional allies would fall. The US is strengthening its air base Diego Garcia for attacks on Iran would not help. Iran claims that its new rockets can reach Diego Garcia. 

In addition, US attacks on Iran could lead to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly 30% of the world’s crude oil is shipped through the passage daily. Closing the passage would undoubtedly send the oil prices to the roof. Trump will lose more support as Americans grow frustrated with the high prices. Chances are millions of Americans may rush to Washington to overthrow the government.

To this author, it does not take a genius to figure out that a war with Iran is destructive for both countries, especially America. Iran is presently far more potent than it was in the 2002 war with Iran simulation, showing Iran defeating the US in minutes. In addition, looking at the statements from Trump and his close aides, including secretary of state Marco Rubio, it is clear that the current US administration is out of touch with the world. So far, Trump’s legacy will not be a peacemaker or unifier.

End

Keywords

United States, Ukraine, Iran, Yemen, Gaza, Diego Garcia, Palestinians, military strikes, Houthis, trump, iran policy, middle east, 2002 simulation, Strait of Hormuz, peacemaker and unifier