Trump has relied on force, but is losing its main tool of influence – Rezazade

The Donald Trump administration is increasingly relying on military force as a key element of foreign policy, but this is precisely what creates a strategic trap for the United States — especially in relations with Iran.

This was stated by international expert and first vice president of the Iranian opposition in Washington, Ali Reza Rezazade, commenting on the growth of the White House’s militaristic rhetoric.

The internal dialogue within the administration itself is also indicative. In a conversation with Vanity Fair, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles described Trump as a person with an “alcoholic personality type,” despite the fact that he does not drink alcohol. The president himself previously publicly admitted that he has an “addictive personality type.” Today, according to many analysts, the object of this addiction has become precisely military force as a universal tool for solving problems.

Ali Reza Rezazade believes that such logic is especially dangerous in the context of Iran. “The United States faces a classic dilemma: to effectively put pressure on Tehran, not only military power but also powerful diplomatic power is needed. However, it is this tool that the Trump administration has systematically destroyed,” the expert notes.

According to him, in the case of Iran, relying solely on coercion works against the United States itself. “Iranian society is complex, multi-layered, and extremely sensitive to external pressure. Military rhetoric consolidates radical circles and marginalizes pro-American and reformist sentiments,” Rezazadeh emphasizes.

The US Congress plays a special role in this process. “Congress understands well what the current White House policy lacks — strategic depth. Without diplomacy, cultural influence, work with the diaspora, and information channels, any military advantage turns into a short-term effect,” the expert emphasizes.

According to Rezazade, Trump’s problem lies not only in his personal style of governance, but also in a worldview error. “He perceives force as an end in itself, and not as a tool that should work in conjunction with politics, diplomacy and values. That is why the US risks losing where it formally has all the advantages,” he notes.

The expert warns that in relations with Iran this could lead to the opposite result. “Without the restoration of American diplomacy — trust, moral authority and the ability to shape the agenda — any pressure will only strengthen anti-American narratives,” Ali Reza Rezazade summarizes.