Donald Trump “caught in a trap”
Donald Trump, who had promised to annihilate an entire civilization, has finally concluded a two-week ceasefire with Iran in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. More in-depth discussions must now be engaged in Pakistan, which plays a mediator role in the conflict. The issue of Iranian nuclear should then be central to the negotiations to ensure the truce.
Au Liban, “we are in an endless journey”
Despite the ceasefire announcement with Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly made it clear that the war against Hezbollah was not covered by the truce. In southern Lebanon, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) should therefore continue their occupation. “We are in an endless journey,” laments Vincent Desportes, who notes that it is possible to “weaken Hezbollah, but not destroy it.” He remains pessimistic about the possibility of a quick appeasement in Lebanon.
“As long as the regime holds, the Israelis will consider themselves threatened”
In these circumstances, the ceasefire remains fragile even though General Desportes considers that “the worst is over” regarding U.S. engagement. A situation that reveals a likely divergence between the United States and Israel. “For them, this war is not over. As long as the regime holds, the Israelis will consider themselves threatened and will likely continue,” says Vincent Desportes. He also believes that the U.S. inability to make Iran yield should deter the U.S. from resuming hostilities. “Iran remains a problem. This war was fought believing that force produced a political result. But force in itself must be transformed into results through strategy,” points out General Vincent Desportes, former director of the War School.
While the United States has “lost face,” General Vincent Desportes believes that Europeans must now assert their autonomy in defense matters. He also attributes the release of the two French hostages, Jacques Paris and Cécile Kohler, to the distance between Paris and Washington regarding Iran.
