Iran's mullahs 'smell' Donald Trump's weakness and are 'playing him for the fool he is' as the war in the Middle East exposes flaws in Washington's strategy, according to a security expert.
Trump's negotiation stance
Trump declared on Monday there was a 'very good chance' negotiations with Iran could prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon. While the ceasefire that began on April 8 has largely led to an end in open hostilities, it has exposed the US's inability to swiftly bring an end to the war.
The US President has declared on multiple occasions the conflict is approaching its end, only for it to drag on - further draining the US of billions of dollars. Experts have questioned whether Trump's braggadocious style has harmed his efforts to bring an end to the conflict, having vowed 'a whole civilisation will die tonight' unless Iran opened up the Strait of Hormuz - which remains closed despite the furious threat.
Expert analysis
'The problem for Trump is that you can't keep on shouting at maximum volume, no one believes you any longer,' security and defence expert Professor Anthony Glees told The Mirror. 'All you achieve is looking weak and as the threats pile up, weaker by the minute.'
'Iran sees this and smells it, and they are playing him for the fool that he is,' Glees added.
