Published on: Tue, 17 Mar 2026 20:36:37 GMT
Original Story: Iran may not ‘stop fighting’ even as Trump says U.S. could leave Iran soon: Fmr. CIA analyst – NBC News

Trump’s Iran Exit: Déjà Vu All Over?

So, Trump’s hinting at a potential U.S. exit from Iran. Again. Because apparently, we haven’t learned our lesson from the last time we played this geopolitical game of chicken. According to NBC News, even Trump claiming the U.S. could leave “soon” hasn’t stopped Iran from potentially “stop fighting.” I mean, color me shocked.

Didn’t We Do This Already?

Remember 2018? Good times. Trump, fresh off his victory lap for… well, something… decided to unilaterally withdraw the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). The deal, painstakingly negotiated by the Obama administration and other world powers, was supposed to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump, in his infinite wisdom, declared it the “worst deal ever” and ripped it up like it was a participation trophy he didn’t even want.

His rationale then? That the deal didn’t go far enough in addressing Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for regional proxies. Fair enough, in theory. But the execution? Utter chaos. Our allies were furious, Iran started enriching uranium again (surprise!), and the region became even more unstable. It was a masterclass in how not to conduct foreign policy. Now, he’s dangling the carrot of a potential U.S. departure from Iran again. Seriously?

The “Art of the Deal” – or Just Winging It?

The problem, as always with Trump, is the lack of a coherent strategy. It’s all about the “art of the deal,” which, in practice, often translates to impulsive decisions based on gut feelings and cable news soundbites. He’ll threaten, bluster, and maybe even launch a few missiles, but what’s the endgame? Does he actually want to negotiate a better deal? Or is he just trying to look tough for the cameras while kicking the can down the road for the next administration to deal with?

The Border Connection: It’s Always About the Border

Now, you might be asking, “What does any of this have to do with ‘The Border & Extreme Vetting’ category?” Well, buckle up, buttercup, because everything with Trump eventually circles back to immigration. The logic (if you can call it that) seems to be: “If we can just fix the border, everything else will fall into place.” He probably thinks leaving Iran will free up resources to build the wall, or maybe he believes a weakened Iran will stop funding whatever nefarious activities he imagines are happening at the border. It’s all connected in the beautiful, chaotic tapestry of Trump’s mind.

The idea that a stable Middle East, or lack thereof, directly impacts migration patterns is probably too nuanced for the former president. He sees the world in simple binaries: good vs. bad, strong vs. weak, us vs. them. And right now, Iran is firmly in the “them” category. So, naturally, we must leave.

The Extreme Vetting Boogeyman

Let’s not forget the “extreme vetting” component. Remember that? It was Trump’s promise to thoroughly screen anyone entering the U.S., especially from countries with a history of terrorism. Never mind that the vast majority of terrorist attacks in the U.S. have been carried out by homegrown extremists. Facts are pesky things, aren’t they?

The subtext, of course, was that Muslims are inherently more dangerous. By framing the issue as a matter of national security, Trump was able to tap into deep-seated anxieties and prejudices. And now, by potentially withdrawing from Iran, he’s signaling that he’s still committed to keeping the “bad guys” out. Even if it means destabilizing an entire region in the process.

The Real-World Implications

Putting aside the political theater for a moment, what are the real-world implications of Trump’s potential Iran exit? For starters, it could embolden hardliners in Iran who oppose any form of engagement with the West. It could also lead to a further escalation of tensions in the region, potentially drawing the U.S. back into another costly and bloody conflict. And, of course, it could give Iran a freer hand to pursue its nuclear ambitions.

In short, it’s a recipe for disaster. But hey, at least Trump will get to tweet about how he’s “making America great again.”

Snarky Takeaway

So, here we are again. Trump, seemingly oblivious to the consequences of his actions, is once again flirting with disaster in Iran. It’s like watching a toddler play with a loaded weapon. You know something bad is going to happen, you just don’t know when or how bad it will be. But hey, at least we have plenty of popcorn.