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Commentary
The Wall Street Journal

Trump Captivates the Globe

For him, extreme volatility and risk are not a problem but an opportunity.

walter_russell_mead
walter_russell_mead
Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship
Walter Russell Mead
President Donald Trump addresses a House Republican retreat on January 6, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
Caption
President Donald Trump addresses a House Republican retreat on January 6, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Is Iran next?

That was the question the world was asking this weekend. As both protests and repression escalated, President Trump repeatedly warned that the U.S. would not stand idly by if the theo-thugocracy in Tehran fired on protesters.

The mullahs’ response came from their usual playbook. They carried out a bloodbath and threatened to attack American bases and assets across the region if Mr. Trump raised a hand against them.

Read the full article in The Wall Street Journal.