John Hudson
@johnphudson.bsky.social
I cover diplomacy and national security for The Washington Post
In Iran crisis, Trump confronted limits of U.S. military power www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
In Iran crisis, Trump confronted limits of U.S. military power
The president and his national security advisers contemplated striking Iran but backed away as costs loomed and Mideast allies lobbied for restraint.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 17, 2026 at 9:10 PM
In Iran crisis, Trump confronted limits of U.S. military power www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
A key factor driving Trump’s reluctance was Israel’s reluctance. Israel was vulnerable due to the absence of major U.S. military assets, which Israel has relied on increasingly to shoot down retaliatory strikes from Iran
January 17, 2026 at 9:10 PM
A key factor driving Trump’s reluctance was Israel’s reluctance. Israel was vulnerable due to the absence of major U.S. military assets, which Israel has relied on increasingly to shoot down retaliatory strikes from Iran
Other Trump advisers urged caution, including Steve Witkoff and Susie Wiles. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued for waiting and letting economic sanctions on Iran work
January 17, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Other Trump advisers urged caution, including Steve Witkoff and Susie Wiles. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued for waiting and letting economic sanctions on Iran work
