# Speculation About Trump’s Underlying Reasons for the Continuing Conduct of the Iran War **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** iran-strikes-2026\ **Created:** [April 5, 2026, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050 "2026-04-05T18:21:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/43 "2026-04-09T03:45:37Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > He threatened to obliterate their civilization. The Allies obliterated the Nazi civilization. ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/44 "2026-04-09T03:46:42Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > The Allies obliterated the Nazi civilization. Pete Hegseth and Stephen Miller seem to have missed the memo on that one. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/45 "2026-04-09T03:50:11Z")
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**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/46 "2026-04-09T03:54:53Z")
**Moderating:** Giving the thread a _brief_ pause, as we’re getting a bit bogged down what Trump said and what Trump implied. More focus please on Trump’s reasons (the topic) for continuing the conflict (or not). Slightly more seriously, a few posts here are far to close to attacking the Poster, not the post. Thus the short time out. * * * There’s an existing thread about the potential consequences for the USA going Nuclear that may also be worth noting: > [@Speculation: USA goes Nuclear in Iran - Reactions and Consequences (spun off from general Iran consequences thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-usa-goes-nuclear-in-iran-reactions-and-consequences-spun-off-from-general-iran-consequences-thread/1029078/37): > > This is where I think some back-channel communication needs to be had (on the quiet), that outlines the economic destruction that former allies are willing to take if this unthinkable happens. Crashing the bond market is just one thing. There are many other economic levers that can be used against the US. Sure it will cause a huge amount of harm to those allies. But it needs to be made clear that this is something they are honestly willing to tolerate, and they’re not joking around. No warnings issued, but again, keep the focus on attacking the arguments, not any _poster_ in P&E - you know where the Pit is. The thread will reopen shortly. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/47 "2026-04-09T03:59:37Z")
This topic was automatically opened after 3 minutes. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/48 "2026-04-09T04:01:05Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > The Allies obliterated the Nazi civilization. Not even close. They destroyed the Nazi _government_ - not “civilization” - and made a half-hearted attempt at de-Nazification, that’s all. They didn’t kill and destroy until there was no such thing as “German culture” or “Germany” anymore. Even the incredibly brutal “[Morgenthau Plan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgenthau_Plan)” wouldn’t have done that. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/49 "2026-04-09T04:07:55Z")
**Moderating:** @Der_Trihs, one of the things I mentioned in the modnote was to focus back on talking about Trump’s reasons for continuing (or, recently, NOT continuing) the conflict. His “wartime” decision making specifically. I know the desire to get the last word in is endemic to the internet and the board, but do not continue off-topic discussions _especially_ when it’s right after a mod request to be mindful. I’m refraining from issuing a Warning for failure to obey moderator instructions, since I mentioned three different issues in my note, but please make sure to follow such in the future. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/50 "2026-04-09T04:12:13Z")
Not sure if this was posted in another thread, but [this NYT article](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/us/politics/trump-iran-war.html) gives an outstanding story account of how the decision all went down. Basically, Netanyahu and other Israelis urged Trump into it, Trump was inclined to attack, everyone else in his inner circle (such as Vance, Caine, etc.) was too timid to give an outright clear “no,” and hence Trump only heard what he wanted to hear. Surrounded by either yes-men or waffling don’t-dare-oppose-too-clearly men, Trump gave the go-ahead for the war. [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/us/politics/trump-iran-war.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/us/politics/trump-iran-war.html) ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2026, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/51 "2026-04-10T15:07:27Z")
One supposed reason for Trump to continue the conflict is the supposed support from other countries for the “ceasefire”. but as **wguy** pointed out: > [@United States and Israel are bombing Iran {for current/ongoing events, past/future have specific threads}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1270): > > BTW, from that article, UK is one of them “praising” Trump. Of course, the only mention is that the UK is in support of the ceasefire. I don’t call that “praising”. Also, on that page I can’t actually see where they are getting their info. Fox News is garbage! > > > [@](#): > > > > Leaders [from Israel,](https://www.foxnews.com/category/world/world-regions/israel) Germany, the United Kingdom and Australia are among those coming out in support of the U.S. ceasefire agreement with Iran. 1. Yes, Fox news is garbage. Lying liars who lie. And then often have to pay hundreds of millions for the lie. 2. I don’t think there was a real ceasefire. There was Trump _wishing_ for a ceasefire, followed by Iran saying “OK then, here’s a proposal, we get everything and you get nothing”, followed by Israel going “Umm, no thanks we’ll keep killing people.” The “ceasefire” was just Trump flailing with bullshit looking for an exit that made him a winner. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2026, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/52 "2026-04-10T15:16:51Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > 1. I don’t think there was a real ceasefire. There was Trump _wishing_ for a ceasefire, followed by Iran saying “OK then, here’s a proposal, we get everything and you get nothing”, followed by Israel going “Umm, no thanks we’ll keep killing people.” > > The “ceasefire” was just Trump flailing with bullshit looking for an exit that made him a winner. Also probably Trump trying to play God-King again. I doubt he actually _asked_ Israel if they wanted a cease fire, much less Iran. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2026, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/53 "2026-04-10T15:26:12Z")
> **Sidetrack hidden** > > > [@Velocity](#): > > > > Basically, Netanyahu and other Israelis urged Trump into it… > > That might account for Trump’s reasons, but why would _Netanyahu_ fuck himself in an election year? ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2026, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/54 "2026-04-10T15:34:20Z")
> **Sidetrack Hidden** > > > [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > > > followed by Israel going “Umm, no thanks we’ll keep killing people.” > > You skipped Hezbollah continuing to launch rockets at Israel. Curious how often that part is left out… > > > [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > > > The “ceasefire” was just Trump flailing with bullshit looking for an exit that made him a winner. > > This part is true. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2026, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/55 "2026-04-10T16:10:09Z")
> **Sidetrack hidden** > > > [@Babale](#): > > > > > [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > > > > > followed by Israel going “Umm, no thanks we’ll keep killing people.” > > > > You skipped Hezbollah continuing to launch rockets at Israel. Curious how often that part is left out… > > Let’s face it: If someone in Lebanon throws a rock at a soldier, that gives enough reason to level a city block with missiles. There is such a thing as a disproportionate response. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2026, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/56 "2026-04-10T16:12:50Z")
> **Sidetrack hidden** > > > [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > > > Let’s face it: If someone in Lebanon throws a rock at a soldier, that gives enough reason to level a city block with missiles. > > Hezbollah has been launching literally hundreds of rockets at Israel. Let’s face that reality. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2026, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/57 "2026-04-10T16:17:05Z")
> **Sidetrack Hidden** > > If Israel wants to defeat Hezbollah, ISTM they either have to ally with the Lebanese government and strike a deal that will make it happen, or occupy all of Lebanon themselves. Blowing up civilian infrastructure is not going to make it happen. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2026, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/58 "2026-04-10T16:17:29Z")
> **Sidetrack Hidden** > > > [@Babale](#): > > > > Hezbollah has been launching literally hundreds of rockets at Israel. Let’s face that reality. > > > The military said Thursday evening that Hezbollah had fired some 70 rockets from Lebanon at northern Israel since the morning. There were no reports of injuries or damage. > > In my mind, that does not justify Wednesday’s Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon resulting in at least 254 dead and hundreds more wounded. > > Obviously, our morality differs on this. End Of Hijack. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2026, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/59 "2026-04-10T17:24:02Z")
**Moderating:** Since the hijack was acknowledged and moved to a more appropriate thread, I’m not issuing any poster-facing moderation, but I have hidden the posts in question to prevent later readers from jumping right back into it. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/60 "2026-04-14T21:43:24Z")
The reason is simple. If Trump backs out the loser will look like a loser. Again. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/61 "2026-04-15T00:05:17Z")
I’ve seen speculation that the motive for blocking Iranian ports instead of the Strait itself is an attempt to starve Iran into submission by blocking food imports. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050/62 "2026-04-15T00:40:08Z")
Iran does import more food than it exports, but it mainly imports from Turkey & China, with some coming from Brazil and India. Imports from Turkey likely dont come by sea, but I am not sure about China or India. There is a direct freight rail link between China and Iran. From India stuff goes thru the Chabahar port which is just outside the Strait- and is operated by India. India is getting upset about the blockade effecting what amounts to their port. So Iran can get food from China and Turkey, blockade or no. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-about-trump-s-underlying-reasons-for-the-continuing-conduct-of-the-iran-war/1029050.md?page=4)