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Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/sks5u9olzl#autoplay
Trump Gives Iran Talks Time for Now
(Ynet News) Ron Ben-Yishai - For now, U.S. President Donald Trump is allowing diplomacy to run its course, aiming to exhaust negotiations in hopes of forcing a radical shift in the policies of the ruling regime in Tehran. If diplomacy fails, Trump is expected to move toward a broad military campaign. One central reason for delaying a limited strike is the conclusion in Washington that a short, highly precise attack - even if intense - would not be decisive enough to topple the regime or fundamentally destroy Iran's nuclear program, its ballistic missile arsenal, and its drone capabilities. Following a limited strike, Iran would still retain the ability to inflict casualties, destruction and severe economic damage on adversaries it chooses to target. The naval and air forces already amassed by U.S. Central Command do not yet provide sufficient defensive coverage against missiles and drones to fully protect American forces, Gulf states, critical oil and gas infrastructure and population centers. Additional assets are required. Another consideration is the loss of surprise. Surprise is essential for a short, intense strike to succeed, and it is no longer available. Moreover, Washington cannot afford an operation in which aircraft are shot down, naval vessels are damaged or American personnel are captured, which would deal a blow to the image of U.S. military dominance that the Trump administration seeks to project.