Is Anyone in Iran Willing to Accept Trump’s Surrender?

Some have speculated that, when dealing with state terror sponsors with nuclear ambitions, Trump’s conduct of the war against Iran risks discrediting the military option. Well, at least in Trump’s case, it should.

Those doing the speculating would be hard-pressed to find an advocate for a muscular, extroverted American presence on the world stage who would endorse the president’s bipolar war-fighting strategy.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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Some have speculated that, when dealing with state terror sponsors with nuclear ambitions, Trump’s conduct of the war against Iran risks discrediting the military option. Well, at least in Trump’s case, it should.

Those doing the speculating would be hard-pressed to find an advocate for a muscular, extroverted American presence on the world stage who would endorse the president’s bipolar war-fighting strategy.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.