Trump’s Iran crisis management under fire: Richard Haass slams presidential indecision

President Donald Trump’s crisis management over the escalating Israel-Iran conflict is under sharp criticism, notably from Richard Haass, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, who condemns Trump’s indecision and top-down policy approach.

Trump has repeatedly refused to confirm whether the U.S. will strike Iranian nuclear facilities, stating, "I may do it, I may not do it," leaving allies and adversaries uncertain about America’s next move. This ambiguity comes as Israel intensifies airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, including the heavily fortified Fordo uranium enrichment facility, which is believed to be central to Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

"His handling of this crisis is the same as his presidency: This really is a presidency more than an administration. It’s dominated by the president, and policy comes from the top down rather than percolate up from the bottom," Haass said, highlighting concerns over the lack of clear strategy.

Iran has responded with stern warnings, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei declaring that U.S. involvement would trigger an "all-out war." Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed no surrender and promised a strong response to Israeli attacks.

The situation remains volatile as Trump’s administration weighs military options amid diplomatic efforts. Defense officials continue to brief lawmakers, while Trump hints that the "next week is going to be very big—maybe less than a week." The uncertainty fuels regional tensions and global concern over a potential wider conflict.

The crisis underscores the challenges of balancing military action and diplomacy, with Trump’s wavering stance drawing criticism from foreign policy experts who urge clearer leadership to prevent escalation.

President Trump faces criticism from Richard Haass over his indecision amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Trump wavers on U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites, while Israel intensifies airstrikes. Iran warns of all-out war if the U.S. intervenes, as tensions mount over potential military action.