Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” Strategy: Bombs Before Diplomacy
After days of failed negotiations, President Donald Trump concluded that only a massive airstrike campaign could bring Iran to the table and force a ceasefire with Israel.
On June 22, President Trump launched Operation "Night Hammer," ordering U.S. bombers and missiles to strike three of Iran’s major nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The move came after 11 days of deliberation, as Trump weighed whether diplomacy or military intervention would lead to long-term peace in the Middle East.
The campaign — which deployed 14 GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs, each weighing 30,000 pounds — reportedly inflicted significant damage to Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure, stripping Tehran of a key bargaining chip.
“America’s deterrent power is back,” said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “When the President of the United States speaks, the world should listen — because the U.S. military can and will follow through.”
Before approving the strike, Trump had tried the diplomatic route. The U.S. and Iran resumed indirect talks in April — the highest-level engagement since Washington withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. Five rounds of negotiations were held in Oman and Italy.
But the sixth round in Muscat was canceled when Israel launched its "Rising Lion" campaign on June 13, striking Iranian nuclear sites and assassinating several senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran immediately retaliated with missile attacks, pushing the region closer to open war.
Though Trump expressed support for Israel, he continued to emphasize diplomacy, urging Iran to negotiate. “Now, maybe they have a second chance to do the right thing,” he said.
But as Iran refused to accept a U.S. proposal to halt uranium enrichment, Trump’s patience wore thin. On June 17, he called for Iran’s "unconditional surrender" and criticized its leadership for stalling talks. “They should have taken the deal. I told them, ‘Take the deal.’ I don’t know — I’m just not in the mood to negotiate anymore,” he said.
Despite U.S. intelligence assessments suggesting Iran had not yet committed to building nuclear weapons, Trump believed Tehran was dangerously close. By June 18, he had made up his mind.
“I don’t want a war. But if the choice is between that and a nuclear-armed Iran, you do what you have to do,” Trump said from the Oval Office.
That choice led to a precise U.S. strike targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Trump hailed it as a mission no other military in the world could have executed — claiming it had crippled the "heart" of Iran’s program at Fordow.
David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), said satellite imagery shows significant damage to enrichment and support facilities at Fordow.
While Trump had long favored peace, observers say the airstrikes reinforced his willingness to wield overwhelming force. “Iran must now come to the table,” Trump warned. “If they don’t, future strikes will be larger and far easier to carry out.”
Rebeccah Heinrichs, vice president of the John Hay Initiative’s Nonproliferation Task Force, said Trump reverted to his long-stated doctrine: peace through strength. “Destroying Fordow projects both political will and military might,” she noted.
Still, Heinrichs acknowledged the risks. Iran’s short- and medium-range missiles pose an enduring threat to U.S. forces in the region. But she believes the U.S. prepared for this, reinforcing overseas bases.
Iran’s retaliatory missile strike on the U.S. Al Udeid base in Qatar, however, was likely symbolic. Trump posted that Iran had given advance warning, allowing U.S. forces to evacuate. Qatar’s defense ministry confirmed all incoming missiles were intercepted, with no casualties reported.
“If Iran simply lashes out to save face without causing harm, Washington is unlikely to respond further,” Heinrichs explained. “In that sense, America’s campaign can already be called a decisive victory.”
Soon after Iran’s strike, Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire, ending a 12-day conflict. “Iran halts fire first, then Israel follows at hour twelve. By hour twenty-four, the war is over,” he said.
Several U.S. lawmakers praised Trump’s decision to intervene militarily, calling it a path to peace.
“By leading with peace through strength, President Trump is making the world safer and protecting American lives,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “Iran must never be allowed to threaten the United States with nuclear weapons.”
Hours after Trump’s ceasefire announcement, Iran reportedly launched six missile salvos at Israel, striking an apartment complex in Beersheba and killing four people. But the strikes ended just before the truce took effect.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey noted that early ceasefire hours are often chaotic. “I’ve seen dozens of ceasefires over 50 years. They’re always messy,” he said. “Not every soldier gets the memo, and timelines aren’t always precise.”
Still, Jeffrey believes this one is moving in a positive direction. Though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may face internal political pressure, he ultimately confirmed the truce.
“President Trump has shown that American strength and resolve are what keep the world safe,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “That power protects not just the United States, but American interests abroad.”
(Sources: NY Post, CBN, Providence, El Pais)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.
Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?
We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from
Los Angeles Airport - LAX
Long Beach Airport - LGB
John Wayne Airport - SNA
San Pedro cruise port
Long Beach cruise port
Disneyland
and other destinations.
Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!
