Everything indicates that now the American leader has little choice. After the threats and huge military expenditure, withdrawing from a possible operation would be a “shameful sign of weakness”, says Michael Pregent, a former US military intelligence officer and Middle East expert, in an interview with “Bild”. In other words, Donald Trump would come across as a loudmouth.
Pregent knows what he's talking about. He advised the Pentagon and the U.S. Department of State on matters relating to Iran and terrorist networks. He now regularly comments on security issues for the American media.
According to a former military intelligence officer, the US armed forces are ready to attack.
There is no need to wait for “Gerald Ford” to arrive, he can be used in later waves of attacks
– he emphasizes.
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However, he also believes that Trump still has some room to maneuver, at least for the next week and a half. Possible new allegations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or a breakdown in negotiations could then serve as justification for an attack. “I don't know what he's really waiting for,” he adds emphatically.
The expert also presents a scenario in which Trump could at least save face if he decided to withdraw. – He could look for a way out – destroy several targets of the so-called Islamic State, attack several Houthi positions and say: “we have taken action!” – he points out.
Trump on Iran: “Something bad is going to happen.” Israel is preparing for the worst
There are many who are whispering in Trump's ear – from all sides. Türkiye and Qatar in particular are to warn against the use of weapons. In Trump's immediate circle, special mediator Steve Witkoff is expected to apply the brakes. Foreign Minister Marco Rubio and UN Ambassador Michael Waltz are in favor of energetic action.
CIA informant: attack on Monday or Tuesday
According to political scientist Jonathan Cristol, the most important factor in deciding whether to attack may be internal politics. After all, Trump promised during the election campaign that he would not start any major wars.
Moreover, they appear critical voices within his own ranks that the president focuses too much on world politics. Cristol states soberly that Trump celebrates every decision as a success. “He is always more interested in the perception of victory than in actual victory.”
Former CIA agent John Kiriakou claims that the US government has already decided on an armed attack. He says a White House source told him that the attack will occur “on Monday or Tuesday”.
According to Kiriakou, there are two factions in the Trump government. Vice President J.D. Vance and Tulsi Gabbard, the head of the U.S. intelligence services, spoke out against the attack. The strike is supported by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Joint Chiefs of Staff – a body that advises the US president and defense secretary on military matters.
Jonathan Cristol is a renowned expert in the field of international security and Middle Eastern policy. He holds a PhD in international relations, lectures at many universities and regularly writes for media outlets such as CNN and the World Policy Institute.
John Kiriakouis a former American intelligence agent. As a CIA employee, he participated in the capture of Abu Subaida in Pakistan in 2002, and in 2007 he made a media statement about the controversial waterboarding method used by the CIA. In January 2013, he was convicted of betraying official secrets.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
