Trump's Terms Trump administration tries to resolve three crises with Iran, Ukraine and Gaza
Feb 17, 2026
Kori Schake, foreign policy expert and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute with National Security Council and State Department experience, analyzes the administration's push for deals with Iran, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a Gaza ceasefire. She discusses rapid, personal diplomacy versus traditional interagency processes. She highlights risks of limited leverage and the dangers of military escalation.
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Diplomatic Doubleheader In Geneva
- The Trump administration is attempting simultaneous high-stakes diplomacy on Iran and Ukraine in Geneva with the same envoys leading both efforts.
- Those talks are unlikely to yield immediate comprehensive deals given conflicting party demands and limited concessions.
Incompatible Goals Stall Ukraine Talks
- Russia and Ukraine met at the same table but a lasting peace deal remains distant because their goals are incompatible.
- Past talks yielded limited swaps, not progress toward ending the war.
New Board Of Peace Aims At Gaza
- President Trump is assembling a new International Board of Peace focused on Gaza and hosting it in Washington.
- Observers will watch whether it produces a credible stabilization plan or becomes a symbolic presidential project.