After Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran, crowds took to the streets of Tehran, waving flags and celebrating what authorities present as a victory, not a surrender. Some protesters burned American flags, while the state press talks about the “humiliation” of the USA.
Regardless of the outcome of the fragile two-week armistice agreed upon by the US and Iran ahead of Trump’s imposed deadline, the pause in hostilities did not come with the “unconditional surrender” demanded by the president, writes Washington Post.
The Iranians could have a two-week respite without bombings, but Donald Trump’s objectives were not met, and the outcome of the conflict remains unclear, each side claiming victory.
Although the USA and Israel, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, have sought to compel Iran to capitulate, to dismantle its nuclear program and change its regime, the balance after nearly six weeks of attacks shows that Iran is affected, but not defeated, the regime has strengthened, and its military capabilities and uranium stocks remain a threat.
Donald Trump’s frustration has grown due to Iran’s control over oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz and the rising cost of fuel, leading to increasingly harsh rhetoric.