Trump, Iran, and the War: An Axios Perspective
During the first years of President Donald Trump’s administration, U.S. policy toward Iran shifted dramatically. The decision to abandon the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, coupled with a surge in sanctions, set the stage for a period of heightened tension that many analysts describe as a “war in all but name.” In this article we examine the key events that defined that era, highlight the insights shared by Axios journalist Mike Allen and Israeli military spokesperson Barak Ravid, and consider the lasting impact on U.S.–Iran relations.
Background: The JCPOA and Trump’s Decision
In July 2015, the JCPOA was signed by the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union. The agreement limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. President Trump, however, argued that the deal was “broken” and that it did not prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. On May 8, 2018, the administration formally withdrew from the agreement, reimposing stringent sanctions on Iran’s banking, oil, and shipping sectors.
Trump’s policy was grounded in a belief that a more aggressive stance would pressure Iran into abandoning its regional ambitions. The administration also announced a “maximum pressure” campaign, targeting Iranian leadership and the country’s infrastructure.
Escalation: U.S. Forces Resumed Strikes
Following the Iranian attack on Saudi oil tankers in April 2019, U.S. forces resumed a series of airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. The strikes aimed to deter further Iranian aggression and protect U.S. allies in the region. In December 2019, the U.S. announced the deployment of additional troops to the Middle East, signaling a commitment to a sustained military presence.
