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Why Did Trump Drop His Iran Ultimatum?
(Israel Hayom) Ariel Kahana - President Trump decided to withdraw his ultimatum and not bomb Iran's power grid because such a move would have run counter to U.S. interests and to the war's objectives. Last week, at Trump's request, Israel struck an Iranian gas production facility. It was an attempt to test Iran's response and determine whether such a blow would deter what remains of the regime. At the same time, in order not to embarrass the U.S., it was agreed that the Israel Air Force would carry out the operation while Trump would pretend he knew nothing about it. But Iran raised the stakes and struck energy facilities in Gulf states. In response, Trump confronted Iran head-on and demanded the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, giving Iran 48 hours, but the threat did not deter it. Iran's strategy, after all, is: "I may die, but on the way I'll take everyone down with me." During those two days global energy prices surged and the shah's son called on Trump to reconsider, noting that damage to the electricity infrastructure would primarily hurt the Iranian people, while the regime has shown no sensitivity to the plight of its citizens. In the coming week, oil markets are expected to stabilize and pressure on the Iranian regime will continue.