
Aug 3, 2026
✦The New York Times
For Iran, Trump's Reversal on Escalation Shows Who Has the Upper Hand
President Trump backed down from a threatened military escalation against Tehran, fueling Iran’s narrative that he fears war. Former diplomat Amir al-Mousawi said, "We have no problem with war at all, and we are ready for the big confrontation." Tehran continues to challenge Washington after peace negotiations fell apart last month.