What A Day Trump’s Iran Power Play
Feb 18, 2026
Nahal Toosi, senior foreign affairs correspondent at Politico, breaks down high-stakes diplomacy with Iran in Switzerland and the murky aims behind talks. She unpacks U.S. leverage like aircraft carriers, Iran’s domestic pressures and protest movements, and the regime’s strategy of buying time. The conversation maps likely paths forward: a deal, limited strikes, or escalation.
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Military Presence As Diplomatic Leverage
- The U.S. uses visible military deployments like aircraft carriers to create leverage in diplomacy with Iran.
- Nahal Toosi says President Trump is willing to use force if diplomacy fails, making leverage central to talks.
U.S. Wants A Wider Deal Than Iran
- The U.S. seeks a broader package than just nuclear limits, including missile constraints and cutting Iran's proxy funding.
- Iran, however, insists talks should focus solely on its nuclear program, complicating negotiations.
Weakened Funds Won't Erase Proxies
- Iran's economy and militia influence have been weakened, but proxies often act independently and won't vanish even with reduced Iranian funding.
- Toosi warns that limiting funds may not eliminate groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, or the Houthis.