But unlike Donald Trump's presidency, Obama's administration unambiguously tried to keep the United States at the heart of broad, consensus-based coalitions - and nowhere was that more clear than in its dealings with Iran. European governments are frustrated by the lack of clarity about what the United States really wants. It is likely that the more threatening the United States becomes, the more set Iran will be on programs such as missile development. But escalating tensions without a strategy would be dangerous, particularly if Iran chose to do the same. Like Obama seven years ago, Trump may be just realizing that conflict with Iran could cost him a second term.

Source: Libya Today June 22, 2019 22:00 UTC