Trump's Iran Deal Legacy: Tehran Holds the Cards
Trump, who launched a war against Iran, now finds himself in a position eerily similar to Jimmy Carter during the hostage crisis – his political fortunes depend on Tehran's decisions.
From Hostage Crisis to War
Donald Trump's political career began with the 1979 Tehran hostage crisis, where 52 American diplomats were held for 444 days. That event shaped US-Iran relations for decades. Now, after starting a war against Iran, Trump faces a humiliation akin to Jimmy Carter's.
Consequences of War
The war has killed an estimated 1,700 civilians and rejuvenated the Iranian regime, which was facing an internal crisis after suppressing mass protests. After killing the supreme leader in February, Trump called on Iranians to rise up, but they did not. He has now been forced to recognize Iran's sovereignty and sign a memorandum of understanding.
Political Turnaround
Many Trump supporters, including the MAGA movement, are disillusioned as the war contradicts his promise to end 'forever wars' in the Middle East. Traditional Republican hawks see weakness. US media outlets, including The New York Times, declare the president's defeat in this war.
Uncertain Future
The deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz depends on a final resolution to Iran's uranium enrichment within 60 days. Iranian leaders fear that US terms are a ruse. Trump, who despised Carter's image, now finds himself in a similar position: his political fate is in Iran's hands.
