Chicago – April 03, 2026
A former Pentagon adviser says President Donald Trump appears “desperate” to secure a deal with Iran, arguing that his mix of threats and talks is weakening Washington’s position. Jasmine El-Gamal told CNN that Tehran may read Trump’s rhetoric as a sign the White House wants an agreement quickly.
Trump has recently warned Iran of severe consequences while also signaling openness to negotiations, a stance critics say could encourage Tehran to wait for better terms. The comments come amid rising regional tensions after a joint U.S.-Israel offensive on Iran and retaliatory strikes by Tehran on Israel and other U.S.-linked targets.
El-Gamal said Iran could believe that maintaining pressure on the U.S., Gulf partners and global energy markets improves its leverage at the table. Her remarks highlight the challenge facing Trump as he tries to balance deterrence with diplomacy in an increasingly volatile conflict.
