The Powers That Be: Daily Trump’s Iran Whiplash
May 7, 2026
Julia Ioffe, journalist and foreign-policy commentator known for sharp analysis of Russia, Iran, and U.S. affairs. She unpacks Trump’s mixed messaging about Iran and the risks of sudden threats. They probe the one-page memo idea and how leaving the JCPOA reshaped Tehran’s leverage. Conversation spans Strait of Hormuz tensions and the broader drift toward endless, unstable conflicts.
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One Page Memo Is Political Branding
- Donald Trump frames a simple one-page memo as a decisive peace deal despite the complexity of Iran negotiations and regional dynamics.
- Julia Ioffe notes this mirrors Trump's preference for short memos and branding wins over substantive, multi-page diplomacy.
JCPOA Withdrawal Made Situation Worse
- Pulling out of the JCPOA left the U.S. worse off: Iran enriched more uranium and strengthened proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah.
- Julia links Trump's withdrawal to increased Iranian regional influence and a closed Strait of Hormuz.
From Maximalist War Aims To PR Win
- Trump pursued maximalist goals — regime change and a reshaped Middle East — then sought a quick PR victory after failing to achieve them.
- Julia says his shift to a one-page deal is driven by boredom with details and desire to brand a win before midterms.