Iranian Regime's Survival Strategy: Delay, Deceive, Outlast Trump
by Majid Rafizadeh • February 8, 2025 at 5:00 am
Possessing nuclear weapons provides any regime with a protective shield against foreign intervention, removing the fear of retaliation. Given this reality, no diplomatic effort -- regardless of its structure -- will convince Iran to relinquish its nuclear ambitions voluntarily.
For the Iranian regime, the tactic of negotiating to buy time has paid off really well. Iran successfully reached a deal with the Obama administration which provided it with financial relief, and diplomatic legitimacy, and the promise of nuclear weapons in just a few years, which just so happens to be this coming October.
Unfortunately, Iran appears to be dangerously close to achieving nuclear breakout The only viable solution is to neutralize Iran's nuclear facilities now.
The correct course of action from the Trump administration is clear: reimpose maximum pressure, support Israel in targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure, and ensure that the regime's delaying tactics do not succeed once again.
The Iranian regime, currently at one of the weakest points in its recent history, presents a crucial opportunity for the United States and its allies.
The collapse of its strongest regional ally, Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, has left Tehran without a key pillar of support in the Middle East. Iran's most powerful proxy groups, Hamas and Hezbollah, have suffered significant setbacks thanks to Israeli military operations. With Iran's economy in shambles and its isolation increasing, the regime is more vulnerable than ever before. This moment should not be squandered. It presents an unparalleled opportunity to curb Iran's ambitions -- permanently.
Since Donald Trump's return to the presidency, the Iranian regime is now extending an olive branch, supposedly willing to negotiate on its nuclear program.
