In an opinion piece published by SunStar on June 22, 2026, writer Peter Trankner argues that U.S. President Donald Trump has weakened the West more than any leader since World War II, citing the agreement to end the war with Tehran as evidence.
Trump's Inability to Think Strategically
Trankner asserts that Trump is unable to think strategically, lacking the ability to weigh possibilities and grasp subtle differences. The result, he says, is a "joke" of a contract that fails to achieve any U.S. war aims.
No Regime Change or Capitulation
According to Trankner, there was no regime change in Iran nor capitulation by the mullah regime. The Revolutionary Guards now hold a firmer grip on the country. Tehran assures Washington it will not build a nuclear bomb, but this is an empty promise, and Iran has not agreed to hand over or cease enriching uranium.
Iran Strengthened Its Position
Iran linked its ceasefire to that in Lebanon, strengthening its position as patron of terrorist groups instead of dismantling the axis. Trump released billions in frozen assets without concessions, which Trankner says will be used to rearm Tehran's proxies, not benefit the Iranian people.
No Reparations and Indirect Status
Washington assured funds for reconstruction without demanding reparations for destruction caused by Iran in neighboring Arab states, indirectly granting Tehran regional power status. Trankner notes that no one believes Trump's threat to restart the war if Tehran violates the agreement.
Political Weakening Ahead of Midterms
Given contradictory U.S. actions from a position of strength, even a fool would see no danger from a weakened America under Trump. With midterm elections approaching, the politically weakened president will avoid conflict, Trankner argues.
Strait of Hormuz and Fooling the People
Trump sells the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as a success, but it was closed solely due to the war. Trankner quotes Abraham Lincoln: "You can fool all the people some of the time... but you cannot fool all the people all the time." He fears what else might happen in the White House, concluding that Trump was supposed to lead the West, not direct its circus.
According to Trankner, never since WWII has anyone in the White House so thoroughly weakened the West, its deterrent power, and alliance structure out of sheer inability. He cites Anatole France: "Foolishness is more fatal than malice, because malice sometimes rests, foolishness never does."
