Why Iran’s Retaliation Moves Them Closer to a Peace Agreement
In my previous article, I outlined what I thought might be President Trump’s strategy regarding Iran. In essence, the President is applying a “peace through strength” foreign policy. His goal is to negotiate a peace agreement. The means of achieving peace is, paradoxically, a show of superior military strength and a willingness to use the military if it becomes necessary.
Last night, Iran launched a missile attack against Iraqi/U.S. bases. A total of 15 missiles were launched. 11 missiles hit targets in Iraq, and 4 missiles failed to hit a target. Although they have the capability of causing severe damage to U.S/Iraqi forces, the attack caused no U.S. casualties. (Sky News Arabia reported 5 Iraqi injuries.)
Immediately after the attack, Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, sent out a tweet saying Iran chose to retaliate for the death of Qasem Soleimani. Still, they do not want to escalate the situation.
Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched.
We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020
President Trump also sent out a tweet, noting that there were no U.S. casualties and that he would make a statement in the morning.
All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020
In today’s statement, the President stressed that Iran will not be allowed to continue funding terrorism and will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. He announced new economic sanctions against Iran and called for European nations to follow suit and abandon their attempts to hold onto the JCPOA (Iran deal). President Trump wants to negotiate a new agreement with Iran that will lead to prosperity and peace in the region.
If the President is trying to start a war with Iran, he’s missed multiple opportunities to do so. Iran seems to have passed on the opportunity as well. Although some view last night’s attack as a sign of increasing hostility, I see it as an overture toward peace. If two nations are engaged in military conflict and they aren’t being driven toward war, they’re being driven toward peace, despite appearances to the contrary.
Some military experts believe Iran intentionally fired the missiles in such a way as to avoid causing U.S. casualties. In a culture where honor is gauged by one’s willingness to retaliate, Iran may have felt the missile launch would show strength to Iranian citizens. And since the regime controls the media, their false claim of inflicting dozens of U.S. casualties would make them appear valiant.
The way the event played out suggests that the President is engaged in backchannel communications with Iran. I would assume they’re discussing a strategy for de-escalation with a long term goal of moving both nations closer to peace talks. Last night’s events seem to be a demonstration of that strategy.
If Iran’s leaders can be persuaded to negotiate peace, they have a willing partner in President Trump. If they’re unwilling to negotiate peace, perhaps the Iranian people will replace them with leaders who are.
Please keep the President, Iran’s leaders, and the Iranian people in your prayers.
The East thinks differently from our Western culture. Strength must be shown. Honor must be kept. Good article.Thank you as always.
1558
Regime Change Coming in Iran
Q
!CbboFOtcZs
19 Jun 2018 – 12:55:48 AM
Free Iran!!!
Fight
Fight
Fight
Regime change.
People have the power.
We stand with you.
Q
Didn’t one of the first Progressives, Theodore Roosevelt, say ‘speak softly but carry a big stick’. Thanks, PM. I usually don’t listen to the media at all and I appreciate you and others who thoughtfully look at what’s going on. A congressman from NY called Trump ‘cowboy diplomacy’ not sure how he came to that conclusion.
It is fascinating to see people make outrageous statements then more information comes in and ‘oops’ smack.
Thanks for your brilliant assessment of the situation. It’s very telling how afraid the American leftist politicians and mockingbird media are! They can’t even recognize true courage in the the face of a bully tinpot dictator! They may even tell their children to stand up to a bully, but they are afraid of everything. The only ones showing any real courage are the true conservatives and our POTUS.
And almost none of them know that not only are they not in charge but that God is! Our great and gracious Father loves us all and His will is going to happen no matter what any of us think of think of His plan. The best part of being saved is we are immortal until God says otherwise. And if He says it’s okay then who am I to disagree? Love your work, I only wish for more of it, lol. Keep it up.
May God bless you and your wife, are beloved President, and all the patriots! God protect our country and our allies, and soften the hearts of our enemies to the the truth of His will and plan for all his children. In Christ’s name I pray.
Bill
Echoing Jean, here. I am thankful as always for PM’s thoughtful analyses of these current events and his faithful application of the “36 hour rule.” NOTHING is as it appears and if only more folks would simply WAIT and resist the cultural urge to instantly chime in with opinions, we would all be better off.
Thank you PM. Your analysis is always comprehensive and excellent. I always look to you for clear thinking and perspective when things become very worrisome. I am hoping you will also provide some insight on another topic that is very concerning. How is it possible that the DOJ is now advising jail time for General Flynn given all the evidence that should exonerate him and instead put others in jail who denied him his rights and tried to coerce him into lying for their purposes? Where is Barr in all this? Two steps forward and 3 back, it would seem.
Thanks again for being there for us. Keeping you and Denise in prayer along with our President and those fighting for truth and justice. God be with us all.
Any thoughts on the 737 jet crash? Seems there are many conflicting reports. I don’t see how that commercial passenger plane could have gotten the clearance to take off when the airspace had been closed to all but the military. IPOT is asking questions but he is moving to new digs right now and unable to give it his full attention. What say you?
My niece, who worships some trendy Far East deity, calls President Trump a “trigger-happy man-boy.” It is tragic that the future of America rests in the hands of a generation brainwashed by the prevailing liberal mindset of the media, Hollywood and educators. Perhaps Trump can preside over a spiritual and intellectual epiphany for our youth in a second term.
…to have the power to crush your enemy, but to decide to offer them peace…is NOT weakness…but meekness Think about it!
Very much appreciate your thoughtful comments, PM. As a recovering Charismatic, I try to stay away from “prophecy” and the general apocalyptic gloom and doom that is preached so often. The Lord instructed us to ask that God’s kingdom and will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Thanks again.
Every time I try to sine up for your email I get this message
FAILED TO ADD USER 409. ANY WAY TO GET HELP WITH THAT SO I CAN RECEIVE YOUR EMAIL?
I sent you an email with a couple of questions for clarification.
I think the president also set the stage for further revelations about prior administration corruption when he referenced $17 billion in cash being sent to Iran … some of it no doubt used to purchase or build the missiles that struck US bases last night. John Kerry is also on record having said some of that money would no doubt fund terrorism.
$170 billion.
Amen To You!
Someone with the Twitter handle of Inman of Peace posted that his sources (Middle East sources) confirmed your speculation – save face and blame Soleimani killing as the motivation. He (or she) also said the bases were empty because Iran’s proxies noticed the US of the strike.
Thank you, PM.
Trump said that if Iran did anything they shouldn’t, he would respond with disproportionate force and quickly. Iran attacked two bases (no one was killed they say, pure luck) and called Trump out on his bluff. Trump responded today very meekly in his press conference. Iran now knows that Trump is basically all talk. He’s a dove at heart, so don’t let his bluster fool you. And Iran doesn’t have the pinpoint accuracy to fire their missiles just exactly so it damages the airbase but doesn’t kill anyone. Let’s be realistic about this. I think that Iran will be emboldened by Trump’s show of weakness and meekness. They know that he doesn’t want to get into a new war especially with the elections coming up. They know that he doesn’t want politicians to use that against him. The Iranians understand perfectly the political position here at home in the USA and they exploited that with this strike. I voted for Trump and I will vote for him again, and I’m 100% against all the LIBS, but let’s not be creative in our efforts to explain this away and put a smiley face on this blunder by Trump (not responding to the attack). He looks weak now.
I disagree with your assessment. Trump “pushed the button” on the General when many before him shied away. When Iran responded with their missile attack, Trump let it pass, almost ignored it. This gave the Iranian leaders a chance to save face (to their own people) and Trump looks stronger yet. The bad guys see that Trump can and will use military force when needed. There may be additional things indicated here as well. Iran’s military is not dumb. Their missiles could have been faulty or deliberately targeted away from the bases. But the United States could have the ability to defend against such attacks. Similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, or something even more secret. I think the U. S. military has a lot of technological capabilities that would startle the world if they were revealed. President Trump may be the first President to begin using these advanced weapons. Perhaps some slight realization of these capabilities are contributing to the fanatics in Iran making them stop, and think again.
I was praying before I fell asleep last night. I saw very bright pillars of lights surrounding most of the USA. An additional area of light on DC. I tried to memorize where they were not, but I could not retain. I have a vague memory that the northern border of the US was dark, and a space along the coast in very S CA. I tried to pray them all over the world, but I could not. It was simply a glimpse as I tried to understand what I was seeing.
Always good to watch your videos and read your articles. Thank you!
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Grateful for your analysis and perspectives!
Miss the video’s though!
It is delightful to have a video and thus, not have to read another tweet, blog post or facebook post.
Trump wrote the Art of the Deal. He is DEALING. We do not have to understand, just know he is working for US.