Between Iran and the Ballot Box: Trump Will Do Everything to Buy Time

Retired Consul Dayan assesses that Trump will try to buy time against Iran ahead of the midterms, fearing investigations and impeachment if Republicans lose. The Iranians know his constraints and continue the naval blockade. Dayan predicts another interim agreement and the rise of 'Mamdaniism' in the Democratic Party.

In an analytical piece on 103FM, retired Consul Dayan analyzes the strategy of US President Donald Trump towards Iran ahead of the midterm elections. Dayan argues that Trump, now thinking as a politician, entered the confrontation with Iran expecting a quick victory but found it more complicated and prolonged. He is working to buy time to avoid further entanglement, as if Republicans lose both houses of Congress, investigations and impeachment attempts are expected. The Iranians, according to Dayan, are well aware of Trump's constraints and do not allow him to buy time. Dayan mentions the opposition of Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine to a ground incursion and the lack of military alternatives. He estimates Trump's approval ratings are low, and Americans want low oil prices ($4 per gallon). Dayan predicts another interim agreement on the 'catastrophic interim agreement' and notes the naval blockade is exacting a heavy toll on Iran, which has stopped drilling at Kharg. He highlights the rise of 'Mamdaniism' in the Democratic Party and the anti-Israel drift, warning of a reversal movement uniting anti-Semites and Israel-haters.