President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington, as Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, Vice President Mike Pence, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, look on. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Here’s my hot take on President Trump’s Press Conference

First of all, even before he reached the podium, the President boldly stated for all to hear:

As long as I am President, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.

That set the stage for what followed. Here are the most significant points:

—Iran has two clear choices, either join with the World and enjoy prosperity, or face more crippling sanctions—and possibly even more kinetic events…events involving their senior leadership

—Europe/NATO along with Russia and China, need to step up. Due to U.S. ingenuity, the United States no longer needs Mideast oil. That means Europe has much more of a stake now. Time to step up and help negotiate a better nuclear agreement with Iran.

—Final take: With the deft mix of military force coupled with restraint and another offer of a different future,
President Trump has given Iran has an off ramp that saves them some face…if they are willing to take it.

Overall Assessment? Deft handling of this from start to finish.

(Tennis Whisper) “Advantage, Trump.” Golf Clap.

Mike Ford, a retired Infantry Officer, writes on Military, Foreign Affairs and occasionally dabbles in Political and Economic matters.

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