Why Trump Delays Strike on Iran: Both Sides Possess Nuclear Weapons

Chief Research Fellow at the Institute for US and Canadian Studies, Vladimir Vasiliev, explains why the United States delayed a strike on Iran and whether negotiations remain possible. The expert analyzes escalation risks, the scenario of a ground operation, and warns of the likelihood of a prolonged conflict with крайне dangerous consequences. Trump Steps Back from Ultimatum: Pause or Preparation? Q: Trump stepped back from his 48-hour ultimatum to Iran and announced a five-day pause along with readiness for negotiations. Tehran rejected this. What could this lead to? A: I will venture to offer my perspective based on Trump's psychology. He issued a 48-hour ultimatum but then effectively extended it to 120 hours. In my view, the US administration has reached a crossroads. If it follows military logic, a serious escalation begins-and it was precisely this prospect that prompted the retreat.