The United States has been at war with Iran, by one means or another, since 1979. Why? Because, in the words of Jeffrey Sachs, “Iran escaped from U.S. global hegemony.” Today, the war continues, but now we are existing within the mental delusions of Donald Trump, a psychopath who was convinced by Netanyahu that an easy victory over Iran was at hand.
During the recent negotiations in Islamabad, Netanyahu was openly bragging about talking to Vance, and we know that after April 22nd, Israel will attempt to sabotage the two-week truce. Trump must prevent it because this time Iran won’t wait, and Tehran promises a “decisive battle” in which it will either emerge as a winner or a martyr.
According to MIT’s Ted Postal, Israel has been lying about its Iron Dome, and it’s now unable to intercept Iran’s best ballistic missiles. Further, because radar systems have been destroyed, Iranian drones cannot be stopped in the U.S. Gulf proxy states. Should Israel deploy nukes against Iran, its “dead hand” ballistic missiles will flatten Tel Aviv, hit U.S. bases, destroy desalination plants, and the global economy will be irreparably damaged.
What can be done? Prof. Sachs proposes two options. First, Congress could develop a spine and take its constitutional responsibility seriously. However, if this means invoking the 25th Amendment, my understanding is that the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet must declare Trump “incapacitated.” If Trump contested the action, a two-thirds vote of Congress would be needed. This option is beyond a long shot.
Second, Putin, Modi, and Xi could tell Trump, “Okay, stop. Negotiate an end to the war. Call it a victory, and Iran will let you take credit.” This is the more promising option, especially if the world economy teeters on the brink of disaster and Trump’s legacy is at stake. It also might appeal to Trump’s aspiration to be taken seriously by his global peers.
China is already expressing more direct criticism of the U.S. – Israeli attack on Iran, and Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing next month. China relies on Iran for 90 percent of its oil, and some 40 percent passes through the Strait. China’s foreign minister Wang Yi said today that Beijing was pushing for a return to peace in the region. He said, “Fundamentally, it’s about cessation of hostilities as soon as possible” and that “China is willing to play a greater role.” (NYT, April 14, 2026).