Trump, Israel, And Iran: A Complex Relationship

Donald Trump's foreign policy was marked by significant shifts, particularly concerning Israel and Iran. Understanding these shifts requires examining the nuances of his approach to the Middle East. Let's dive into the intricate dynamics that defined Trump's relationship with these two key nations.

Trump's Pro-Israel Policies

Trump's administration adopted what many considered the most pro-Israel stance of any U.S. presidency. A cornerstone of this approach was the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December 2017. This decision, breaking with decades of U.S. policy, was hailed by Israel but widely condemned by Palestinians and many international leaders. The U.S. Embassy was subsequently moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018, further solidifying the U.S. position. Trump argued that this move simply acknowledged the reality that Jerusalem is Israel's seat of government and aimed to facilitate peace negotiations by taking a contentious issue off the table.

Beyond Jerusalem, Trump's administration also recognized Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights in March 2019. This territory, captured from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War, had been under Israeli control ever since. The move was seen as a significant boost for Israel's security and strategic position. Critics, however, argued that it violated international law and undermined the principle of not recognizing territorial gains achieved through war. Trump defended his decision by asserting that the Golan Heights were vital for Israel's security and that recognizing Israeli sovereignty was in the best interest of the U.S.

Furthermore, the Trump administration took a firm stance against the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to pressure Israel economically and politically. U.S. government agencies were directed to counter the BDS movement, and measures were taken to prevent companies that boycott Israel from receiving U.S. government contracts. This stance was applauded by pro-Israel groups but criticized by advocates for Palestinian rights, who argued that it stifled freedom of speech and legitimate protest.

The Abraham Accords, brokered by the Trump administration in 2020, represented a significant diplomatic achievement. These agreements normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. The accords were seen as a major step towards regional peace and stability, as well as a testament to Trump's unconventional approach to diplomacy. They also reflected a changing dynamic in the Middle East, with some Arab states prioritizing economic and security cooperation with Israel over traditional solidarity with the Palestinians. The Accords were facilitated by a combination of incentives, including arms deals and the removal of Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Trump's Hardline Approach to Iran

In stark contrast to his pro-Israel stance, Trump adopted a highly confrontational approach towards Iran. The centerpiece of this policy was the withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, in May 2018. This agreement, negotiated by the Obama administration and other world powers, had lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program. Trump argued that the JCPOA was a deeply flawed deal that did not adequately address Iran's ballistic missile program, its support for terrorism, or its regional destabilizing activities. He vowed to impose maximum pressure on Iran through economic sanctions to force it to renegotiate a better deal.

Following the withdrawal from the JCPOA, the Trump administration reimposed and significantly expanded sanctions on Iran's economy, targeting its oil exports, financial sector, and key industries. These sanctions had a devastating impact on the Iranian economy, leading to a sharp decline in GDP, high inflation, and widespread unemployment. The Trump administration argued that the sanctions were necessary to compel Iran to change its behavior and come back to the negotiating table. However, Iran refused to renegotiate the JCPOA under pressure and instead began to gradually roll back its commitments under the agreement.

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated further in 2019 and 2020, with a series of incidents in the Persian Gulf, including attacks on oil tankers and Saudi oil facilities that the U.S. blamed on Iran. In January 2020, the U.S. assassinated Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad, a move that brought the two countries to the brink of war. Soleimani was a highly influential figure in Iran, responsible for its regional military and intelligence operations. The assassination was condemned by Iran as an act of state terrorism and a violation of international law. Iran retaliated with a missile attack on U.S. forces in Iraq, causing injuries but no fatalities.

Throughout his presidency, Trump repeatedly criticized Iran's support for proxy groups in the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. He accused Iran of destabilizing the Middle East and sponsoring terrorism. The Trump administration worked to build a coalition of countries to counter Iran's influence, including Israel and several Arab states. This strategy aimed to isolate Iran diplomatically and economically and to deter its aggressive actions.

Impact and Legacy

Trump's policies towards Israel and Iran had a profound impact on the Middle East and continue to shape the region today. His pro-Israel stance strengthened the U.S.-Israel alliance and emboldened Israel to take a more assertive approach in its dealings with the Palestinians and its Arab neighbors. The recognition of Jerusalem and the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, as well as the brokering of the Abraham Accords, were significant achievements for Israel.

However, Trump's policies also drew criticism. The move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem was seen as a setback for the peace process and a blow to Palestinian aspirations for statehood. The recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights was widely condemned as a violation of international law. And the hardline approach to Iran, while welcomed by some, raised concerns about the risk of escalation and the potential for a military conflict. Critics argued that Trump's policies undermined diplomacy and made it more difficult to resolve the underlying issues in the region.

The long-term consequences of Trump's policies remain to be seen. The Biden administration has sought to revive the JCPOA and to re-engage with Iran diplomatically. However, it faces significant challenges, including Iran's continued nuclear advancements and the deep distrust between the two countries. The Abraham Accords have also created new dynamics in the region, but it is unclear whether they will lead to a comprehensive peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. Ultimately, the legacy of Trump's policies towards Israel and Iran will depend on how these issues are addressed in the years to come.

In conclusion, Donald Trump's approach to Israel and Iran was a complex and consequential aspect of his foreign policy. His pro-Israel stance and hardline approach to Iran reshaped the dynamics of the Middle East, leaving a lasting impact on the region. Understanding these policies is crucial for comprehending the current geopolitical landscape and the challenges that lie ahead.