Trump’s Game with Iran: Deal or Blackmail?
WANA (Mar 19) – Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that he can strike a deal with Iran, but his approach resembles political blackmail more than genuine negotiation. He employs an old yet dangerous tactic: on one hand, he threatens Iran by suggesting that Israel is ready to strike, while on the other, he alarms Israel about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. But what is his real objective? Forcing Iran into a one-sided deal—with no guarantees.
Deal or Deception? The Ukrainian Model for Iran
Trump and his team are well aware that real negotiations require mutual concessions. However, they are after something else: dictating Washington’s terms. We’ve seen this pattern before in Ukraine, where, after years of Western support, Zelensky was suddenly sidelined by the White House, and the U.S. refused to provide him with any security guarantees.
Marco Rubio, a U.S. senator, summed it up perfectly: “Zelensky is not in a position to negotiate—he’s in a position to make a deal.”
In simple terms, the “deal” the U.S. is offering is not a fair exchange. Instead, it’s an ultimatum where Iran is expected to make concessions while receiving nothing in return.
A U.S. document released on February 5 revealed that the discussion is no longer just about Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. This time, Washington is even demanding restrictions on Iran’s conventional weapons—something that wasn’t even included in the original nuclear deal (JCPOA).
Iran Warns US: Aggression Will Have Dire Consequences
WANA (Mar 18) – Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations has firmly rejected and condemned the “reckless and provocative statements” made by U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump. He warned that any act of aggression would have severe consequences, for which the United States would bear full responsibility. Amir Saeid Iravani, […]
The Trump Playbook: A Political Trap
Here’s where Trump’s deception strategy comes into play:
If Iran accepts the deal, Trump will tell Netanyahu to hold off on an attack—essentially using blackmail to tie Iran’s hands in negotiations.
If Iran refuses, the U.S. and Israel will launch a media campaign against Tehran.
In other words, Iran is set to lose in either scenario—unless it finds a way to break this cycle.
What Is Trump Really Worried About? The Answer Lies in Iran’s Oil Revenues
In an interview with Fox News, Trump inadvertently revealed his true frustration: “Under Biden, Iran’s oil sales have increased.”
So, what is the real goal? Not an agreement, not negotiations—but weakening Iran’s economy. The key question now is: why fall into the same trap again?
Trump and his advisors are still playing the old game of pressure and threats, but Iran has the ability to change the rules. Stalling in negotiations designed from the outset to be coercive only delays the implementation of alternative strategies to counter U.S. pressure.
Trump aims to put Iran in a position similar to Ukraine—but Tehran is not Kyiv. Experience has shown that whenever Iran has activated alternative strategies, the equation has shifted. The game Trump has designed is neither a negotiation nor a deal—it is an attempt to impose conditions that would restrict Iran’s options. Now, it is Iran’s turn to prove that it is an independent player—not a pawn on Washington’s chessboard.
