Jul 9, 2026 – 8.47amWashington | Last month, US President Donald Trump described the leaders of Iran as pragmatic, rational and smart people, but now he says they are sick, vicious and violent.The change of heart about his foes in Tehran, Trump says, came because he “got to know them”, but foreign policy and defence scholars say no one should be surprised.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Trump is being schooled about leverage as Iran deal unravels
In negotiations with the US, the Strait of Hormuz is now more important to Iran than a nuclear weapon. Tehran is reluctant to cede control, foreign policy experts say.
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