US President Donald Trump has long professed a desire for peace, but his administration’s inability to deliver on this promise raises questions about the president’s commitment to diplomacy. From withdrawing from Iraq to criticizing Biden’s support for Ukraine, Trump has consistently drawn strength from anti-war voters.
However, despite his tough talk, Trump has failed to back up his words with actions. In fact, his first term was marked by increased US involvement in the Middle East and frequent yieldings to hawkish advisors on military force. His second term has seen negotiations with Russia languish, and he’s considering strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The main issue is that making peace requires more than just wanting it. It demands patience, persistence, and a willingness to negotiate. Trump’s unrealistic expectations about peacemaking have made him less likely to succeed. His preference for coercive diplomacy and deadlines has created a situation where it’s hard to climb down when his bluff is called.
The problem is particularly acute in the case of Iran, where mainstream Republicans remain steadfast in their commitment to Bush-era regime change. Recent weeks have seen a concerted push from Capitol Hill, hawkish D.C. think tanks, and even right-wing media to pressure Trump into military strikes on Iran.
However, early signs suggest that Trump may not be abandoning diplomacy yet. A proposed two-week window for deciding on military strikes offers hope that he’s not lost sight of his goal. Negotiations will occur in Geneva this weekend between Iranian and European diplomats, and channels of direct communication between US diplomat Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remain open.
For Trump to be a peacemaker, he’ll need to shift from ultimatum-based coercive diplomacy to a more constructive long-term approach. This will require patience, persistence, and a willingness to listen to experts and negotiate in good faith. If Trump can resist the pressure from pro-war forces and media frenzy, he may still pull off a deal out of this. The question is whether he has the willpower to make it happen.
Source: https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/20/trump-iran-israel-ukraine-russia-peace-patience/?tpcc=recirc_latest062921