Iran, Trump, and the threshold of pain

The American president just can’t accept defeat, either in politics or in war. That’s why he is escalating a lost war in the Persian Gulf, even though the consequences may be catastrophic for the region.

The relentless logic of escalation is already driving U.S. President Donald Trump to approve attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure, writes Gwynne Dyer.White House photograph by Daniel Torok

Opinion

BY GWYNNE DYER

July 20, 2026

LONDON, U.K.— It would be so easy for Donald Trump to escape from the trap the American president has built for himself in the Persian Gulf. Just declare a victory and leave.

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