US-Iran Peace Talks: Washington Forced to Choose Between Defeat and Slow Deterioration

The failure of U.S. policy in the Middle East—triggered by Israel’s actions and an underestimation of Iran—has led to the depletion of U.S. resources, a weakening of the dollar, and a decline in Washington’s military influence in the region.

Official MOU Signing That Never Was

An Unsettling Realization in Washington

There is a significant shift in Washington’s thinking from February 2026, when Trump believed that the mere US military Presence close to Iran was enough to force capitulation. However, after 4 months of Operation Epic Furry, Trump has learned that the US Military is not safe around Iran, a reality that will have long-term implications on how Washington pursues its objectives. In mid-February 2026, when Trump heavily deployed Military assets, including 2 carrier strike groups, around the Middle East, his envoy for the region, Steve Witkof, reported that he (Trump) was expecting the Iranians to capitulate in the face of such a formidable military threat. The Trump administration thought that the US military was enough to force Iran or any other country to give up its sovereignty and hand over its resources to Washington and Israel. Notably, Witkof outlined that Trump expected the Iranian leadership to commit not to produce nuclear weapons, stop supporting regional allies, and curb the missile program, demands that the Trump administration knew........

© New Eastern Outlook