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Source: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-irrepressible-u-s-iran-conflict-81121fbc
The Iranians Expect America Will Soon Turn Against Israel
(Wall Street Journal) Walter Russell Mead - The Iranians have no plans to negotiate an end to their nuclear program and are targeting countries ranging from Oman to Jordan. This isn't peace. It isn't even a ceasefire. The U.S. has believed for 80 years that ensuring the free passage of Middle Eastern oil and gas to world markets is essential to America's prosperity and security. President Trump is unwilling to give Iran control of the Strait of Hormuz. We shouldn't underestimate the sense of joy and vindication that a global wave of anti-Zionism and Jew-hatred have given to the darkened hearts and minds of Iran's current leadership. Their resistance and defiance, they and their proxies in Lebanon and beyond believe, is turning the global tide against the hated "Zionist entity." They expect America will soon turn against Israel, and the holiest of holy wars can finally begin. Mr. Trump may be feeling more confident and less risk-averse than the Iranian leaders believe. Iran's assassination threats are more likely to enrage than to cow him. He will likely find it easier to build support abroad and at home for a war to protect oil supplies by stopping Iran's blocking of the strait than he did for a preventive war against its nuclear program. The writer, a fellow at the Hudson Institute, is Professor of Strategy and Statecraft at the University of Florida.