Key facts
- Donald Trump is reportedly pressing Israel and Iran toward negotiations.
- The conflict involving Iran has reached its 100th day.
- An analyst suggests Trump is seeking a "face-saving off-ramp" for the American public.
- Recent events underscore the risk of U.S. involvement in Middle East combat operations.
As the conflict involving Iran extends to 100 days, President Donald Trump is reportedly exerting pressure on both Israel and Iran to engage in negotiations. According to analyst Megan Messerly, the former president is seeking a "face-saving off-ramp" that he can present to the American populace. The past 24 hours have highlighted the risk of the U.S. becoming involved in major combat operations in the Middle East, despite Trump's stated desire to avoid such entanglements. Trump has nudged Israel and Iran away from escalation, though the long-term stability of this de-escalation remains uncertain.