Topic analysis

Looming Iran peace deal shows how Trump’s maximalist goals have shrunk

Donald Trump’s foreign policy toward Iran, after a three-month military campaign, has shifted from maximalist goals (regime change, destroying Iran’s military/nuclear capabilities) to a pragmatic push for a peace deal, as initial objectives (e.g., regime change, neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program) failed; Iran’s military/nuclear capabilities remain largely intact, forcing Trump to consider compromises similar to Obama’s JCPOA, while the regime persists despite Israeli strikes and leadership changes.