Distrust, dishonesty and Trump’s elusive Iran deal

(Marc Caputo, Dave Lawler, Barak Ravid – Axios) President Trump declared Monday morning that a peace deal with Iran would be signed “today” in Islamabad, and that Vice President Vance was on his way. But Vance was actually still in Washington, waiting for a signal from Tehran before boarding his plane — a sign of the deep uncertainty over what will happen next. Trump wants the war to end, now, on his terms. But there’s only one day left before the ceasefire expires, Iran still controls the Strait of Hormuz, and the sides have thus far been unable to even set a meeting. The war may therefore be on the precipice of a massive expansion. “He’s over it. He wants it done. He doesn’t like Iran holding [its control of the strait] over the Middle East. He doesn’t like them holding this over our heads. He doesn’t want to fight anymore. But he will if he feels he has to,” an administration official told Axios. – Trump’s Iran dilemma: Distrust, dishonesty cloud path to deal