Trump’s Diplomacy: Middle East Peace and Power Plays by Rohan Khanna India

The source provides a critical analysis of former President Trump’s diplomatic approach, asserting that his bold claims often lacked substantive results. It examines specific instances, such as Trump’s engagement with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, his threats against Hamas regarding Israeli hostages, and his actions concerning Iran’s nuclear program and the subsequent Iran-Israel tensions. The text highlights discrepancies between Trump’s public statements and leaked Pentagon reports regarding the destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities, suggesting a more nuanced reality to his claims of success. Furthermore, it touches upon Trump’s alleged efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, proposing a multi-national Arab solution for the region’s governance post-Hamas, and concludes by questioning the feasibility and simplicity of such proposed solutions given the complex regional dynamics.

Trump’s Unorthodox Diplomacy: Claims, Threats, and Contradictions

President Trump’s diplomacy, is characterized by a blunt and outspoken communication style, often involving loud claims and threats, yet sometimes failing to achieve the desired results or having outcomes that contradict initial statements.

Here are key aspects of Trump’s diplomacy:

• Communication Style and Claims:
• He is described as a “unique president who speaks blatantly on any issue, makes loud claims, but then fails to achieve the desired results”.
• This style contrasts with the Arabic proverb “Man Katsar Kalama Katsar Khatawah” (The more talkative he is, the more his mistakes will be), which suggests that those with important responsibilities should be careful with their words.
• Trump has used “objectionable language” against his media, accusing them of trying to “smear their achievements by adding mangoes to milk”.
• Russia-Ukraine War:
• Upon entering the White House, Trump claimed he would “immediately end the Russia-Ukraine war”.
• However, the effect was reversed, and Russian President Putin “became even more lion against America and Europe” after Ukrainian President Zelensky was “humiliated by the White House blocker”.
• Hamas and Israeli Hostages:
• Trump “insulted Hamas” and threatened to “release the Israeli hostages before I take oath, or I will make Gaza a hell for you”.
• Despite these threats, that Hamas extremists “sold the bodies of Israeli hostages with heavy receipts,” and the hostages from October 7, 2023, are still “rotting in prison”. This is presented as a contradiction to Trump’s “exaggerating his achievements in the Nobel Prize”.
• Diplomacy with Iran:
• Threats and Nuclear Program: Trump “threatened Iranian mullahs to surrender unconditionally or I will broadcast your doomsday”. He also claimed to have “stopped Iranian nuclear installations” by bombing them, likening it to the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima that stopped a world war.
• However, American media, citing leaked Pentagon reports, indicated that Trump’s claim of “total destruction of Iran’s nuclear program is not true”. While nuclear facilities were “definitely destroyed,” the Americans had “informed the Iranians” beforehand, allowing them to move 400 kilograms of enriched uranium to a safe place.
• In contrast, the US Secretary of Defense supports Trump’s claim of complete destruction and held a press conference at The Hague to that effect.
• “Friendly War” Approach: Trump is described as being “against wars anyway or believes in friendly war”.
• He informed Iranians before attacks on Iran.
• He then “settled matters with Iranians himself through Qatar”.
• He gave Iran “every chance to drop as many missiles at the US military base in Doha as the Americans bombed Iranian nuclear installations,” deliberately allowing only one of fourteen “light quality” missiles to drop to prevent harm.
• Ceasefire and De-escalation with Israel:
• Iran ordered a formal ceasefire with Israel, advanced by Qatar.
• When Israelis violated it, they were “rebuked,” and “seventy rear planes that were going to attack Iran” were recalled under “severe pressure on Netanyahu”.
• Trump prevented attacks on Iranian oil refineries and the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei, despite knowing his secret location.
• He “openly condemned Israel,” stating, “I love Iranians. I am also angry but more angry with Israelis”.
• At The Hague, he praised Iranians as a “great nation, rich with oil wealth” and supported their right to export oil for rebuilding, indicating a willingness to “soften sanctions on Iran”.
• He stated that the dispute was “only about nuclear weapons, we will not allow atomic bombs to be made. Also, there is no issue” for negotiations to start soon.
• Stance on Regime Change: Trump gave a “positive” answer against regime change in Iran, stating that it “could have started violence and anarchy in Iran, so it was not necessary”.
• Outcomes: This diplomacy is seen as having “avoided wars in each two lines at least temporarily”. Both sides felt they had won, with Iran celebrating a victory despite losses, preventing a fate like Saddam and Gaddafi.
• Gaza Ceasefire and Future Plans (Alleged Report):
• An international media report, citing an Israeli newspaper, suggests that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have reached an “ace in regards to ceasefire in Gaza within the next two weeks”.
• This alleged plan involves:
• Joint control of Gaza by four Arab countries (including UAE and Egypt) to replace Hamas.
• Deportation of Hamas leadership while releasing all Israeli hostages.
• Resettlement of Palestinians leaving Gaza in “some unknown countries”.
• Establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Israel, with other Arab countries following suit.
• US recognition of Israeli control over some parts of the West Bank.
• Challenges to the Gaza Plan (Darwish’s perspective): Darwish views these things as “not as simple” as the report describes.
• The question of who should control Gaza after Hamas is complex, with Arab countries often naming the Palestinian Authority under Mahmood Abbas, despite internal fights between Al-Fatih and Hamas. Israel prefers supervision by Arab countries over the Palestinian Authority.
• The recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia under the Abraham Accord is also complex, suggesting Saudi Arabia should involve other OIC countries.
• Despite destruction, Hamas’s power in Gaza could not be completely eradicated, and Israeli hostages “cannot be completely freed from its custody”.
• Trump’s current challenge is “putting Arab countries forward to solve the Gaza issue”. The timing is seen as opportune because “Hamas is not getting the help of Iran nor has Hezbollah any position”.

Trump’s Middle East Diplomacy: A “Friendly War” Approach

President Trump’s approach to Middle East peace is characterized by a blend of blunt communication, bold claims, and a unique “friendly war” strategy, which sometimes led to de-escalation despite initial aggressive rhetoric, though not always to the claimed outcomes.

Here’s a discussion of Trump’s diplomacy concerning Middle East peace:

• General Diplomatic Style and Rhetoric
• Trump is described as a “unique president who speaks blatantly on any issue, makes loud claims,” but often “fails to achieve the desired results”. This style contrasts with the Arabic proverb “Man Katsar Kalama Katsar Khatawah” (The more talkative he is, the more his mistakes will be), which suggests careful speech for those in sensitive responsibilities. He has also used “objectionable language” against media he perceives as trying to “smear their achievements”.
• Engagement with Iran and Israel
• Threats and De-escalation with Iran: Trump threatened Iranian mullahs to “surrender unconditionally or I will broadcast your doomsday” and claimed to have “stopped Iranian nuclear installations” by bombing them, likening it to the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. However, American media, citing leaked Pentagon reports, indicated that Trump’s claim of “total destruction of Iran’s nuclear program is not true,” suggesting that while facilities were destroyed, Iranians were informed beforehand and moved enriched uranium to safety. In contrast, the US Secretary of Defense supported Trump’s claim of complete destruction.
• “Friendly War” Approach: Trump is described as being “against wars anyway or believes in friendly war”. This was evidenced by him informing Iranians before attacks on Iran. He then “settled matters with Iranians himself through Qatar”. He allegedly allowed Iran to “drop as many missiles at the US military base in Doha as the Americans bombed Iranian nuclear installations,” deliberately stopping thirteen out of fourteen and ensuring the remaining one was “of light quality so that there be no harm”.
• Ceasefire and Preventing Further Conflict with Israel: Following this, Iran ordered a formal ceasefire with Israel, advanced by Qatar. When Israelis violated it, Trump reportedly “rebuked” them, leading to the recall of “seventy rear planes that were going to attack Iran” under “severe pressure on Netanyahu”. Trump also prevented attacks on Iranian oil refineries and the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei, despite knowing his secret location. He “openly condemned Israel,” stating, “I love Iranians. I am also angry but more angry with Israelis”. At The Hague, he praised Iranians as a “great nation, rich with oil wealth” and supported their right to export oil for rebuilding, indicating a willingness to “soften sanctions on Iran”. He clarified that the dispute was “only about nuclear weapons,” and “negotiations with Iran may start next week”.
• Stance on Regime Change: Trump gave a “positive” answer against regime change in Iran, stating that it “could have started violence and anarchy in Iran, so it was not necessary”.
• Outcomes: This diplomacy is seen as having “avoided wars in each two lines at least temporarily”. Both sides reportedly felt they had won, with Iran celebrating a victory despite losses, preventing a fate like Saddam and Gaddafi.
• Engagement with Hamas and Israeli Hostages
• Trump “insulted Hamas” and “threatened to release the Israeli hostages before I take oath, or I will make Gaza a hell for you”. However, “Hamas extremists also sold the bodies of Israeli hostages with heavy receipts, and even today these hostages of Hamas belonged to October 7, 2023 They are rotting in prison”. This is presented as a contradiction to Trump “exaggerating his achievements in the Nobel Prize”.
• Alleged Gaza Ceasefire and Future Peace Plan
• An international media report, citing an Israeli newspaper, suggests that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have reached an “ace in regards to ceasefire in Gaza within the next two weeks”. This report emerged amidst criticism of Iranian leadership for not agreeing to a ceasefire linked to Gaza.
• The alleged plan includes:
• Joint control of Gaza by four Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, to replace Hamas.
• Deportation of Hamas leadership while releasing all Israeli hostages.
• Resettlement of Palestinians leaving Gaza in “some unknown countries”.
• Establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Israel, with other Arab countries following suit.
• US recognition of Israeli control over some parts of the West Bank.
• Skepticism and Challenges to the Gaza Plan
• Darwish views these proposed elements as “not as simple” as the alleged report describes.
• Control of Gaza: The question of “to whom should we give control of Gaza after removing Hamas?” is complex. Arab countries often suggest the Palestinian Authority under Mahmood Abbas, despite internal conflicts between Al-Fatih and Hamas. Israel, however, prefers supervision by Arab countries over the Palestinian Authority, potentially involving Jordan and Syria with Egypt.
• Saudi Arabia’s Recognition of Israel: The recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia under the Abraham Accord is also seen as complex, with Darwish suggesting that Saudi Arabia should “carry OIC’s other countries along with them in this regard”.
• Hamas’s Enduring Power: Despite destruction, “the power of Hamas in Gaza could not be completely eradicated,” and “the Israeli hostages of October 7, 2023 cannot be completely freed from its custody”.
• Current Challenge and Opportunity: Trump’s current challenge is “putting Arab countries forward to solve the Gaza issue”. However, the timing is considered opportune because “Hamas is not getting the help of Iran nor has Hezbollah any position,” presenting “the right time to end the violence from Gaza”.

Trump’s Unconventional Diplomacy: Iran, Israel, and De-escalation

Iran-Israel relations, particularly during President Trump’s tenure, were characterized by a complex interplay of aggressive rhetoric, claimed military actions, diplomatic interventions, and attempts at de-escalation, with the US acting as a significant, albeit unconventional, third party.

Here’s a discussion of Iran-Israel relations as depicted below:

• Trump’s Rhetoric and Claims Regarding Iran’s Nuclear Program:
• President Trump is described as a “unique president who speaks blatantly on any issue, makes loud claims”. Upon entering the White House, he threatened Iranian mullahs to “surrender unconditionally or I will broadcast your doomsday”.
• He claimed to have “stopped Iranian nuclear installations” by bombing them, drawing a controversial comparison to the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima that ended a world war. He asserted that he had “stopped the war” between Iran and Israel by bombing Israel, which appears to be a misstatement in the source, likely intending to refer to actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities that he believed prevented a broader conflict.
• However, American media, citing leaked Pentagon reports, contradicted Trump’s claim of “total destruction of Iran’s nuclear program,” stating that while facilities were destroyed, Iranians were reportedly informed beforehand by Americans and moved 400 kilograms of enriched uranium to a safe place. In contrast, the US Secretary of Defense supported Trump’s claim of complete destruction, holding a press conference to that effect. Trump reportedly used “objectionable language” against media he perceived as trying to “smear their achievements”.
• The source also notes the historical context, mentioning that the US under President Eisenhower had previously provided nuclear technology and founded the Tehran Nuclear Research Center during the Shah’s era.
• Trump’s “Friendly War” and De-escalation with Iran:
• Trump is portrayed as being “against wars anyway or believes in friendly war”. This was evidenced by him informing Iranians before attacks on Iran.
• He then “settled matters with Iranians himself through Qatar,” allowing Iran to “drop as many missiles at the US military base in Doha as the Americans bombed Iranian nuclear installations”. This was carefully managed, with thirteen out of fourteen missiles reportedly stopped and the remaining one being “of light quality so that there be no harm”.
• Ceasefire and Preventing Further Conflict with Israel:
• Following these US actions and mediation via Qatar, Iran ordered a formal ceasefire with Israel.
• When Israelis violated this ceasefire, Trump reportedly “rebuked” them. This led to Israel recalling “seventy rear planes that were going to attack Iran” under “severe pressure on Netanyahu”.
• Trump also prevented attacks on Iranian oil refineries and the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei, even though his secret location was known.
• Significantly, Trump “openly condemned Israel,” stating, “I love Iranians. I am also angry but more angry with Israelis”. At The Hague, he praised Iranians as a “great nation, rich with oil wealth” and supported their right to export oil for rebuilding, indicating a willingness to “soften sanctions on Iran”. He clarified that the dispute was “only about nuclear weapons,” and that “negotiations with Iran may start next week”. Trump also gave a “positive” answer against regime change in Iran, believing it could lead to “violence and anarchy”.
• The overall outcome of this diplomacy, according to the source, was that “wars have been avoided in each two lines at least temporarily,” and “each side feels like they have won”.
• Future Regional Peace Plans and Implications for Israel:
• An international media report, citing an Israeli newspaper, suggests a future “ace” plan involving President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu for a Gaza ceasefire. This broader plan, though not directly about Iran-Israel relations, has significant regional implications:
• It includes the proposed establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Israel, with other Arab countries following suit.
• The potential for Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel under the Abraham Accord is discussed as complex, with the suggestion that Saudi Arabia should “carry OIC’s other countries along with them”.
• It is noted that the current timing is considered “the right time to end the violence from Gaza” because “Hamas is not getting the help of Iran nor has Hezbollah any position”.

Trump’s Gaza Strategy: Ceasefire, Control, and Challenges

The Gaza Conflict, involves a complex interplay of various actors, with former President Trump playing a significant, albeit unconventional, role in attempts to shape its future.

Trump’s Initial Stance and Hostage Situation: Upon entering the White House, President Trump “insulted Hamas” and threatened to “make Gaza a hell” for them if Israeli hostages were not released before he took oath. However, “Hamas extremists also sold the bodies of Israeli hostages with heavy receipts,” and even today, “these hostages of Hamas belonged to October 7, 2023 [and] They are rotting in prison”. This observation casts doubt on claims of “exaggerating his achievements in the Nobel Prize”, possibly implying unfulfilled promises regarding hostage release. Despite destruction in Gaza, “the power of Hamas in Gaza could not be completely eradicated” and that “the Israeli hostages of October 7, 2023 cannot be completely freed from its custody”.

Alleged Trump-Netanyahu Ceasefire Plan for Gaza: An international media report, citing an Israeli newspaper, suggests a significant development: President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have reportedly reached an “ace in regards to ceasefire in Gaza within the next two weeks”. This report emerged amidst criticism of the Iranian leadership for not agreeing to a ceasefire linked to Gaza.

According to this alleged report, the proposed plan includes several key components:

• Joint Control by Arab Nations: Four Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, would take joint control over Gaza to replace Hamas.
• Hamas Leadership Deportation and Hostage Release: The Hamas leadership would be deported, and all Israeli hostages would be released.
• Palestinian Resettlement: Palestinians leaving Gaza would be settled in “some unknown countries”.
• Expanded Diplomatic Relations: Saudi Arabia and Syria would establish diplomatic relations with Israel, with other Arab countries expected to follow suit.
• US Recognition of Israeli Control: The US would recognize Israeli control over some parts of the West Bank.

Challenges and Skepticism Regarding the Plan: Despite the ambitious nature of the alleged plan, “things are not as simple… as described in this alleged report”. Key challenges include:

• Post-Hamas Governance: The question of “to whom should we give control of Gaza after removing Hamas?” is complex. Arab countries generally suggest the Palestinian Authority under Mahmood Abbas, despite internal conflicts between Al-Fatih and Hamas. However, Israel prefers to move forward by giving Gaza under the supervision of Arab countries, potentially involving Jordan and Syria with Egypt, rather than the Palestinian Authority.
• Hamas’s Enduring Strength: Despite “all the destruction,” “the power of Hamas in Gaza could not be completely eradicated”.
• Hostage Release Complexity: It is acknowledged that “despite all global efforts, the Israeli hostages of October 7, 2023 cannot be completely freed from its custody”.
• Saudi-Israeli Relations: The question of Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel under the Abraham Accord is presented as complex, suggesting that Saudi Arabia should “carry OIC’s other countries along with them” in this regard.

Current Dynamics and Opportunities for Resolution: The current challenge for President Trump is “putting Arab countries forward to solve the Gaza issue”. However, the timing is considered opportune to “end the violence from Gaza” because “Hamas is not getting the help of Iran nor has Hezbollah any position”. This situation presents a potential window to address the “sorrows” of Gaza residents. While Hamas has celebrated “victories” in Gaza, the overall situation remains dire, with a perceived need for a definitive resolution.

Trump, Iran, and the Nuclear Program

The discussion of the “Nuclear Program” revolves around Iran’s nuclear capabilities and President Trump’s actions and claims concerning them.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Trump’s Claims of Destruction and Contradictions:
• President Trump claimed to have “stopped Iranian nuclear installations” by bombing them, drawing a controversial comparison to the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima that ended a world war. He asserted that he had “stopped the war” between Iran and Israel by taking these actions.
• He also made the “loud claim” of “total destruction of Iran’s nuclear program”.
• However, American media, citing leaked Pentagon reports, contradicted Trump’s claim, stating that while nuclear facilities were “definitely destroyed,” the Americans themselves had reportedly informed the Iranians beforehand. This allowed Iran to move “four hundred kilograms of enriched uranium” to a safe place prior to the attacks.
• In contrast, the US Secretary of Defense supported Trump’s claim of complete destruction and held a press conference to that effect. Trump reportedly used “objectionable language” against media he perceived as trying to “smear their achievements”. He also suggested that any “shortage or subtraction left in the destruction” would be completed at a next stage or controlled by diplomacy.
• Trump’s “Friendly War” Approach:
• President Trump is described as being “against wars anyway or believes in friendly war”. This approach was evidenced by him informing Iranians before attacks on Iran.
• He then “settled matters with Iranians himself through Qatar,” allowing Iran to “drop as many missiles at the US military base in Doha as the Americans bombed Iranian nuclear installations”. Thirteen out of fourteen missiles were reportedly stopped, and the remaining one was “of light quality so that there be no harm”.
• US Stance on Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions and Diplomacy:
• Trump clarified that the US dispute with Iran was “only about nuclear weapons,” stating, “we will not allow atomic bombs to be made”. He stressed that there was “no other issue” beyond this.
• Despite the military actions, Trump indicated a willingness to engage in diplomacy, stating that “negotiations with Iran may start next week”. He also expressed support for softening sanctions on Iran, stating, “If possible, we will soften sanctions on Iran”.
• He praised Iranians as a “great nation, rich with oil wealth” and supported their right to export oil for rebuilding.
• Historical Context of Iran’s Nuclear Program:
• The historical involvement of the US in Iran’s nuclear development. During the Shah’s era, US President Eisenhower had provided nuclear technology to Iran and founded the Tehran Nuclear Research Center by providing a nuclear research reactor and enriched uranium.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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