On the eleventh day of Middle East conflict, German media report Trump’s strategy has backfired as Iran shows no signs of surrendering.
Trump’s War Timeline
On the eleventh day of the Middle East war, Donald Trump assured that the war “will soon end, but not this week.”
German Media Analysis
“Trump’s plan has failed,” writes “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.” “By appointing Mojtaba Khamenei as the new leader of Iran, the regime has shown that it is not thinking of surrendering. Trump has a problem that in the past has often been the cause of Western failures,” the newspaper assesses.
Venezuelan Scenario Not Working
“After 10 days, it is difficult to form a realistic view of the military situation in Iran and its surroundings. The triumphant reports from Washington do not match the fact that Iranians are still shelling their neighbors and Israel. The confident statements from Tehran do not match the fact that the damage caused by Iranian rockets is minimal,” reads “FAZ.”
“The Venezuelan scenario in Iran has not worked so far. Despite intense Trump airstrikes, he did not prevent the transfer of power in the country to a person he clearly rejected,” notes the newspaper.
Deteriorating Strategic Situation
The strategic situation for both sides is deteriorating. Iranians are losing their striking power as more and more Iranian weapons are being destroyed in bombardments. Meanwhile, the American-Israeli alliance is not able to control events sufficiently without the involvement of ground troops.
Asymmetric Warfare Challenge
Trump has found himself in a situation of asymmetric warfare, in which the West has repeatedly suffered defeats in recent history. Iran is much weaker than the US and therefore targets American allies, global oil markets, and public opinion in the United States. “The result of this confrontation is open,” concludes “FAZ.”
Iranian Regime’s Confrontation Stance
The nomination of Mojtaba Khamenei was actually a coup, not an election. “The Islamic Republic has become a military dictatorship with Khamenei as a symbol of continuity,” notes the newspaper.
The authorities in Tehran consist of generals and former generals who became politicians. They have no intention of entering into dialogue with Trump or with their own people. “The regime expected war and took the risk, believing it would survive the war. Apparently it still believes it,” concludes “SZ.”
“Der Spiegel” notes that “hardliners determine the direction in Iran.” The appointment of Khamenei’s son means the actual takeover of power by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is not interested in negotiations with Trump, writes the newspaper.
