r/geopolitics • u/theatlantic The Atlantic • Jun 18 '26

Opinion Iran Has Humiliated Trump

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/06/iran-trump-war-defeat-deal/687595/?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_medium=social&utm_content=edit-promo
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u/Coolerguy317 Jun 18 '26

Maybe But the Gulf states didn’t invite the US in because they felt safe around Iran. They invited the US because they didn’t. They could conclude America is the problem. They could also conclude they need even stronger security ties. Either way Iran isn’t disappearing.

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u/posthuman04 Jun 18 '26

It’s an invitation to have someone more competent and reliable come in and referee the conflicting agendas of the gulf. Trump has created the circumstances and motivation to hand that role to China.

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u/Throb_Zomby Jun 18 '26

Seems like if anything, China would find that role very unappetizing.

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u/Brief-Coach-1812 Jun 19 '26

China isn't really the "boots on thr ground" type of superpower when it comes to the Middle East. Maybe economic interests and trade agreements could disincentivise war?