U.S. President Donald Trump is facing a deepening crisis over his Iran policy following renewed American airstrikes in the Hormuz Strait last Wednesday. The attacks came after an assault on ships in the area, leaving Trump with two difficult choices: escalate the conflict, risking major human, economic, and political costs, or attempt to revive a flawed memorandum of understanding with Tehran that has already collapsed. The memorandum, signed just three weeks earlier and drafted by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, has been criticized for its vagueness and lack of enforceable terms.

As Trump travels to a NATO summit in Turkey, he has declared the Iran memorandum “finished” and called Iran “crazy,” though he left open the possibility of further talks. Analysts cited by CNN say expanding the war would be costly and risky, while economic pressure might be a more viable path. Critics within the U.S. have questioned the administration’s lack of consultation with experienced officials, and experts warn that either escalation or withdrawal could damage U.S. interests and global energy stability.

Trump’s social media threats and unverified claims of Iranian eagerness for a new deal have further fueled uncertainty about Washington’s next move.