Iran shoots down a Reaper drone over the Strait of Hormuz and attacks Kuwait. Meanwhile, Tehran halted negotiations, while President Trump is reportedly concerned that any asset relief could be compared to the Obama-era Iran deal. This concern is heightened by reports that the current MOU contains little of substance regarding Iran’s nuclear program, leaving those issues to be addressed in future negotiations.
Trump’s strongest source of leverage is Lebanon, though it is a double-edged sword. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, are demanding that Trump restrain Israel. The more Israel advances against and degrades Hezbollah, the greater the leverage available to the President.
At some point, Trump may choose to use that leverage by pressing for an Israeli withdrawal. However, the more progress Israel makes now, the less it may have to concede later.
Watch my interview to learn more.