View from the West: Trump Ready for Confrontation with Iran Again

Donald Trump's approach to Iran is expected to be based on the principles of strong containment, not ruling out direct strikes but avoiding full-scale war, similar to his policy during his first term as president, CNBC reports.

Trump has previously criticized the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which he withdrew from, arguing that it did not address Iran's ballistic missile program or mid-range activities. He has hinted that he is open to negotiations, but only if he can reach a deal he deems better.



Trump previously ordered the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, a major escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran. He is likely to maintain a policy of military deterrence, which could include targeted strikes or cyberattacks, if Iran takes actions Washington deems provocative.

Yet despite his aggressive rhetoric, Trump has generally expressed a desire to avoid war. But that does not preclude his willingness to use force when he deems it necessary.

Countering Iranian proxies: Trump will likely continue to try to limit Iran's influence through allied groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen. The measures against them could range from the West to the West.

Trump will presumably try to engage European allies to support a tougher line on Iran and refrain from trade with the Islamic Republic, while continuing to build an anti-Iran coalition in the Middle East that would include Israel and the Gulf monarchies.

Yet Donald Trump's hard-line stance risks isolating the United States itself unless European allies and other world powers back his approach, complicating efforts to contain Iran.

In summary, it can be said that Trump's Iran policy will most likely involve a combination of economic pressure, military containment and diplomatic isolation. But it is not a fact that they will be successful.