Donald Trump arrives for a “Rose Garden Club” dinner at the White House, Washington, D.C., May 11, 2026 (Kent Nishimura/AFP/Getty)
EA-The Focus Special: The World That Donald Trump Damaged
I joined Times Radio’s Maddie Hale on Wednesday for a 34-minute deep dive into the latest problems for the Trump Administration over its war on Iran, including a US intelligence report that Tehran retains most of its missile capability after more than 10 weeks of American and Israeli attacks.
I explain, “Their plan is that they have no plan,” as the Trump camp face a lack of military options for regime surrender but try to avoid negotiations on Tehran’s terms over the Strait of Hormuz, a long-term ceasefire, and Iran’s nuclear program.
Even if they have burned down the Iranian house, they’ve carried out scorched earth on American foreign policy — and that is going to have a lasting effect beyond Iran and the Middle East for years to come.
Having just returned from four days in Florida, I consider the tightening domestic vise on Trump, with inflation at its highest rate since 2023, specific surges in gasoline and food prices, and concern — including among Republicans — over the cost of war and the lack of strategy.
Iran preparing for renewed war as military assets remain largely intact: https://www.euronews.com/2026/05/13/iran-preparing-for-renewed-war-as-military-assets-remain-largely-intact-reports-warn
I would disagree that Iran’s entire leadership was wiped out. The following were never killed and replaced:
1. The President and VIce-President
2. Speaker of Parliament:
3. Head of the Judiciary
4. All 12 members of the Guardians Council
5. Head of the Expediency Council
6. Head of the Navy
7, Head of the Missile forces
8. Interior Minister
9. Foreign Minister