Trump’s choice

ALTHOUGH American President Donald Trump has admitted that the disastrous Iran war was a factor in the heavy drubbing his party received from the Democrats in the midterm polls, there are few indications he has decided to wind down the conflict. In fact, Mr Trump has sent mixed messages, saying there has been “progress” in talks with Iran, while also threatening to “destroy what is left” of the Islamic Republic should negotiations fail.

These are hardly reassuring words for the international community, which wants the war to end quickly. Qatar has taken centre stage in mediation, with Mr Trump discussing the Iran file with the country’s emir.

There is genuine reason to fear another US strike on Iran. For one, Mr Trump may want to act before January 2027, when the new Congress is empowered to scrutinise his decisions.

The US government on Saturday asked its citizens in the Middle East to “exercise heightened vigilance”, while it has struck the Iranian island of Qeshm twice this week. The Iranians have not taken the bait, but have promised strong retaliation to new attacks.

These developments illustrate the unpredictability of the Gulf situation: one rash move could restart the conflict, which is why mediation efforts should be stepped up.

The US leadership is mistaken if it thinks that a fresh round of hostilities would be ‘limited’. If Iran does retaliate to new American or Israeli strikes, the impact of the conflict could be far more devastating than the last round. Along with needless aggression against a sovereign state, the economic shockwave caused by the conflict would hit ordinary people everywhere.

In order to prevent a new military and economic crisis, the US leadership must prioritise diplomacy over war. The Iranians want an end to the blockade of their ports, as well as lifting of sanctions and the release of their funds. All these are achievable goals if the US sincerely desires peace. Even the nuclear issue can be resolved at the negotiating table if Mr Trump eschews his threatening tone.

In return, Iran should promise unhindered navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Moreover, the ceasefire must be broadened to stop the Yemen conflict as well as Israeli violence in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories. Though technically, these are separate conflicts, they are also interlinked, involving Iran’s allies in the ‘Axis of Resistance’.

It is decision time for Mr Trump. He can either work with regional states and negotiate an end to his own ‘forever war’. Or he can continue down the same path, with the international community paying the price for American and Israeli bellicosity. For the sake of peace, it is hoped he chooses the former option.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2026