President Donald Trump is nothing if not studied at crafting elaborate alternate realities. But for the last two and a half months or so, he conjured one that seemed primarily aimed at deceiving himself. The latest findings add a new dimension to an already closely watched situation.

Global Context

The current development is the latest chapter in a longer and complex story.

And he repeatedly gave Tehran the benefit of the doubt, relaxed his own deadlines, walked back his threats and downplayed Iran ’ s provocations and apparent ceasefire violations.

In a Tuesday social media post, he downplayed the severity of Iran downing the helicopter while saying, “ Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. ” He informed the Wall Street Journal the same day that Iran ’ s offensive “ wasn ’ t a big deal. ” While talking about retaliation, he said Wednesday, “ I guess we have the right to do that. ” Trump has also mixed in some very tough talk about how hard he would hit Iran — even saying on social media on Thursday that the US military would soon “ be taking Kharg Island, ” an operation that would likely require ground troops and could risk significant casualties.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the matter indicate that but just minutes later, there he was on Fox News downplaying that possibility by repeatedly citing Americans ’ lack of “ appetite ” for such military initiative.

International Response

A growing chorus of voices has emerged to analyze what this means.

The president later added: “ I don ’ t know that America has the appetite to do what I would really much prefer doing. ” But it often looks like it ’ s Trump who lacks the stomach.

Of particular significance is the fact that trump on April 7 disclosed a hastily assembled ceasefire whose terms nobody seemed to agree on.

Against this backdrop, then the administration tried to keep the appearance of the truce going even though Iran didn ’ t do the one major thing Trump insisted it had to.

Regional Impact

The broader implications of this development are already coming into focus.

And when Iran seemed to violate the ceasefire in other ways, Trump and his administration repeatedly strained to downplay it.

In what observers are describing as a key detail, i don ’ t want to ever put our people in that kind of danger. ” He added the next day, while downplaying the possibility of sending in troops to recover highly enriched uranium: “ I didn ’ t want to be Jimmy Carter, you know — I didn ’ t feel like being Jimmy Carter. ” In other words, Trump ’ s reluctance to go back to war hasn ’ t been subtle.

In what observers are describing as a key detail, indeed, that ’ s the problem with Trump telegraphing what he wants to do and repeatedly giving the other side a pass: It gives Iran leverage.

Against this backdrop, but it begs the question why the administration didn ’ t respond more strongly, for instance, when it became clear Iran wasn ’ t satisfying Trump ’ s demand that the ceasefire include reopening the strait.

Of particular significance is the fact that one of Iran ’ s biggest assets is the passage of time.

What Comes Next

For now, the situation continues to evolve, with no definitive resolution in sight. Those closely following the issue are preparing for further developments in what has become a significant and consequential story.