Trump May Come Out of the Gate with a Diplomatic Tone towards Iran
President Donald Trump’s personnel moves may suggest he will approach Iran with a more diplomatic tone than combative, according to sources. Trump recently remarked that he would be open to a nuclear deal with Iran, stating, “They don’t make a deal, I guess that’s OK, too.” This comment may signal a change in tone from his previous approach, which included the “maximum pressure” policy on Iran during his first term.
The firing of Brian Hook, the architect of the “maximum pressure” policy, from the State Department’s transition team in December and his subsequent removal from a US government-sponsored think tank, may also indicate a shift in Trump’s approach. Hook’s removal is seen as a potential signal that Trump is willing to reconsider his earlier approach to Iran.
Trump has also recently hired Steven Witkoff, who was involved in sealing a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, to address US concerns about Iran. This move may indicate that Trump is looking to engage in negotiations with Iran on nuclear issues before ramping up pressure.
The appointment of Michael Dimino as deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East is also seen as significant. Dimino has argued that the US does not have vital or existential interests in the Middle East and that the region is not a priority. He has also suggested that the US should focus on countering China and devote fewer resources to the Middle East.
The recent personnel moves have caused rumblings from prominent Iran hawks, with some expressing concern that Trump is abandoning his earlier stance on Iran. Mark Levin, a radio host who has the ear of Trump, has posted on social media in opposition to Dimino, calling him a “creep.” Other experts have warned that Dimino’s views on the Middle East do not align with Trump’s values on Iran or Israel.
Kasra Aarabi, director of research on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard at the group United Against a Nuclear Iran, believes that the ayatollah is attempting to cause divisions between Trump and his advisors on policy towards Tehran, citing the ayatollah’s efforts to assassinate Trump and promote fissures between the US and Europe.