BBC headline: “Trump urges UK and other nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz”.
Iran is a global threat which needs addressing, but US leadership under Trump is a total embarrassment. Complete arrogance and incompetence.
In interviews, Trump has made it clear that he was surprised by Iran attacking the Gulf states, and blocking the Straits of Hormuz. They never thought this through properly. It’s not as it was taken into consideration but they simply made an error: they failed to adequately consider or plan at all. According to the WSJ, “[Trump] believed that Tehran would likely capitulate before it could close the strait or cause significant economic damage. And if it came to it, he told his team, the U.S. military would be able to handle it”. What? Even more disturbing, Trump jettisoned the traditional preparations for war:
Preparations for a major military operation typically involve weeks or months of deliberations, written options papers, dissenting views from officials across different agencies, and meetings with the National Security Council. But according to administration officials, planning for the Iran operation was handled by a much smaller circle. This included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. While this allowed Trump to limit leaks and move quickly as events shifted, it also narrowed the range of advice and dissent that reached the president as he weighed the risks of attacking Iran. Left unanswered were such questions as how to evacuate U.S. citizens in an escalating conflict—or ensure the next Iranian leader was friendly with Washington, U.S. officials said.
They’re the most mediocre bunch to have ever occupied the WH. They genuinely thought this wouldn’t go beyond 48 hours, and now they’re stuck and looking at others for assistance.
All the more embarrassing since Trump disdained involving or consulting broader ally nations. And, even so, why would they help? He is been incredibly rude and condescending, enacted aggressive tariffs against his allies, and announce desires to invade the territory of fellow NATO members, etc.
Most people understand that the army, navy and airforce have to defend their own lands and civilians. The trouble is when nations attack and destroy schools, religious centres, old age homes, blocks of flats, food factories, petrol supplies and cattle sheds in other peoples' lands. Did the authorities you mentioned narrow the range of advice and dissent that reached the president to the extent he didn't weigh the risks of attacking Iran and destroying civilian lives?
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