Russia had its infamous "three-day special military operation" in Ukraine. America now has its "short-term excursion" into Iran. In February 2026, when he chose to start the war, President Donald Trump promised the public that it would last only "four or five weeks" and promised other leaders that it would be won in three to four days.
Now the world is approaching month seven of the on-again, off-again conflict. In a déjà vu moment, Trump recited his favorite talking points to Axios on Thursday: A "big decision" is coming soon, and he might "annihilate" Iran, but the Iranian leadership wants a deal very badly. As a cherry on top, Axios reported that the White House is pursuing an Israeli-Arab alliance to contain Iran, the same trick for solving the Middle East that every recent administration has tried.
