Loading ...Trump is fully engaged. That is all we can ask for.
JEFF CHILDERS
Today’s quick war update contains hopeful signs of good news, which appeared in a trio of stories this morning. The first article, from the Wall Street Journal, was headlined, “Trump Says Not Working on Cease-Fire—but Something Bigger.”
After Trump decamped early from the G-7 Summit, French President Emmanuel Macron couldn’t resist a swipe, not minding his own business but claiming Trump had bailed to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Iran. Naturally, Trump didn’t let that moronic comment go unanswered
Whatever he’s doing, Trump says it’s “much bigger” than a cease-fire. Which elicits the question: what is bigger than halting a potentially nuclear Middle East war? With Trump, it could be anything from a surprise peace framework to a geopolitical branding play (“Trump Peace Tower: Tehran”). But the possibility of a broader regional deal is suddenly not off the table.
Before jetting off, Trump reportedly demanded that the G-7’s joint statement include language affirming Israel’s right to self-defense—a sticking point for some members. Once that was secured, he was gone. Zelensky, Ukraine’s piano-playing headliner, hadn’t arrived yet despite scurrying as fast as he could, so he missed his window for a Trump photo op.
The second story appeared in the Journal below the headline, “Trump May Send Vance, Witkoff to Speak With Iranians.” Trump is using strong language befitting Iranian tough guys, but didn’t completely rule out negotiating with Iran. “They should have done the deal,” the President told reporters. “I told them do the deal, so I don’t know. I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.”
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But more optimistically, Trump also said he is considering sending both Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to negotiate with the Iranian government. Previously, only Witkoff was talking to the mullahs, so adding Vance might boost the dickering horsepower. But Trump remained cagey and didn’t commit. “Not sure yet, I may. Depends on what happens when I get back,” he told reporters on Air Force One.
Meanwhile in the Middle East, missiles continued flying like fur in a stray cat kennel, and the propaganda war was just as thick. A helpful reminder came this morning courtesy of the Jerusalem Post and its backtracking headline: “IDF reversal: IAEA may be right that Natanz centrifuges not destroyed, only site above damaged.”
Apparently, the IDF has now discreetly walked back two earlier claims that they’d destroyed Iran’s entire underground nuclear base. The sub-headline explained, “The IDF had said twice that the underground site beneath Natanz was also destroyed by a military strike.”
After four years of fake Ukrainian coverage, we’re becoming familiar with some of the war propagandists’ modern techniques. This particular type involves a huge, dramatic claim of success, followed a few days later with a quiet “recalibration.” Thanks to assists from helpful corporate media, the initial claim always makes international front-page news, but the retraction languishes in local reporting on page 26.
I’ve come to terms with it. Propaganda has been a staple of war news since The 300 fought off the entire Persian Army. It is what it is. But we folks breathing the thin air of information up in the cheap seats must remain skeptical of whatever they claim is happening down on the field. Results, as they say, may vary.
Anyway, unlike a certain former (alleged) president with an Autopen, Trump is fully engaged. That is all we can ask for. Biden would have shut the lid around 10am yesterday and would still be “resting” on the beach in Delaware