Trump’s Iran Takedown Stuns: Tehran’s Weak Strike Signals Total Surrender
Photo credit - The western journal
On Monday, CNN commentator Scott Jennings declared on X that President Donald Trump’s approach to Iran has been vindicated, describing Iran’s actions as “complete and total capitulation” to the U.S. His comment followed a New York Times reporter’s post, which revealed that Iran had coordinated with Qatari officials before launching retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases in Qatar.
The move was intended as a symbolic gesture to appease domestic pressure without provoking a harsher U.S. response.
Jennings emphasized that, if accurate, this outcome validates Trump’s strategy. The NYT report noted that Iran sought a de-escalatory path, similar to its 2020 warning to Iraqi officials before striking a U.S. base in response to the U.S. killing of General Qassem Soleimani. According to Axios, Monday’s attack caused no casualties, reinforcing its symbolic nature.
Trump acknowledged Iran’s advance notice on Truth Social, stating it allowed the U.S. to avoid casualties. He expressed hope that Iran had vented its “HATE” and urged both Iran and Israel to pursue “Peace and Harmony” in the region. As the attack unfolded, Trump met with his national security team, having previously warned that any Iranian retaliation would face overwhelming force, following U.S. bunker-buster strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
CNN cited White House officials who said Trump anticipated a restrained response like the one in 2020 and is not seeking further military escalation. However, he retains the option to respond forcefully if needed. If this marks Iran’s only retaliatory move, Jennings argued, Trump’s approach was a resounding success.
Jennings suggested Trump leverage this moment to achieve three goals: First, push Iran back to negotiations to halt its nuclear enrichment and weapons programs. Second, warn the Middle East that the U.S. will hold Iran accountable and respond decisively to any proxy attacks by independent actors, using the full force of its military.
Source: Originally reported by CNN.