Iran has gotten under Trump’s skin

According to press reports, Trump has exploded, slammed the table, and cursed with expletives in more than one meeting with senior national security officials.

The lack of progress in the war against Iran, the absence of a clear strategy, and even the lack of defined objectives for the war itself have been the source of his frustration.

Such a clear strategy, or whatever one wants to call it, never existed. As I wrote at the beginning of the conflict, they expected a war of just a few days based on reports that completely underestimated Iranian capabilities.

Sources speak of disagreement over the military options being presented and over the lack of unity on strategy. There are reports of tension between what the president wants l, -harder military pressure or a quick deal, -and what parts of the team and the commanders consider feasible or advisable.

This climate was already unhealthy after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth carried out a broad purge of the high command, removing or forcing into retirement more than 20 generals and admirals. The justification was not military; it was related to issues of loyalty and alignment with the vision of the new administration.

The fact is that Trump is bothered by the current situation and will have to make important decisions in the coming days.

Patricia Marins