Israeli-American journalist Orly Azoulay wrote an article for Ynet, where she analyzed the possible consequences of the policies of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Iran. She argues that despite Trump’s claims that the wars are over, the situation with Iran remains uncertain and dangerous. Azoulay emphasizes the role of Netanyahu, who is actively lobbying for an anti-Iran agenda, which could lead to a further escalation of the conflict. The journalist also considers two possible paths for Trump: increasing pressure on Iran or attempting to conclude a historic agreement on normalization in the region. The article emphasizes that the best thing for Israel would be to conclude an agreement, despite the possible painful concessions.
In her article, Azoulay drew attention to an important statement made by Donald Trump after his election victory. He declared that he had come “to end wars, not to start new ones.” However, according to Azoulay, these words from Trump have a short shelf life. When asked whether war between the US and Iran was possible, Trump replied: “Anything can happen,” adding that it all depends on his mood and who makes him angry.
Azoulay emphasizes that Trump often listens to the last opinion he hears. Recently, this opinion, she said, increasingly belongs to Benjamin Netanyahu, who is actively promoting the Iran agenda. For Netanyahu, Iran is a priority and he is fighting to maintain his political influence. At such moments, according to Azoulay, leaders are often inclined to act in favor of their political interests.
The journalist also draws attention to the changing situation in the region. Israel, after a series of successes, such as the elimination of key figures of Iranian power and the destruction of Iranian air defenses, is again perceived as a strong state. This, according to Azoulay, opens the way to weakening Iran and possible increased pressure on its leadership.
Azoulay notes that Trump played an important role in destroying the nuclear agreement with Iran, which he was implementing, but it was Netanyahu’s voice that was the key factor that pushed Trump to take this step. Trump’s time, she writes, has passed, and promises of a better agreement and a “deal of the century” have not been realized.
The journalist predicts that if Trump returns to the White House, he will face a difficult dilemma: choose tough measures against Iran or try to achieve a historic normalization agreement in the region, which could also include Iran. Both of these paths, according to Azoulay, could have serious consequences for all parties. However, she suggests that Israel’s best bet would be a normalization agreement, although it would require concessions, which would be painful but still the lesser evil.
Cursor previously wrote that Trump made an unexpected statement about Turkey’s role in Syria.