Republican leader argues Tehran is trapped by blockade, sanctions and fear while Trump demands nuclear surrender”
Marc Zell, chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel and vice president of Republicans Overseas, says President Donald Trump’s strategy toward Iran is deliberately designed to keep Tehran confused and under pressure.
Speaking to Justice & Power, Zell said Trump has always operated by leaving the other side uncertain, both in business and politics. He argued that Iran is now trapped in contradictory messaging, with the regime, president and IRGC sending conflicting signals.
Zell said Trump’s central demand remains unchanged: Iran must give up its enriched uranium and abandon any path to nuclear weapons. He warned, however, that any ceasefire could give Tehran time to rebuild its military, proxy network and nuclear capabilities.
According to Zell, Trump is using the blockade of the Persian Gulf, sanctions and frozen Iranian assets as leverage. Iran wants the blockade lifted so it can export oil, but Zell said Trump will not release assets or ease pressure without real progress on nuclear weapons, proxies and ballistic missiles.
Zell also addressed Israeli concerns over a possible partial agreement, saying Washington is coordinating with Jerusalem even if Israel does not agree with every move being considered.
He stressed that Trump faces pressure from the approaching US midterm elections, where Republican control of Congress could determine whether his Iran policy survives. Zell said Trump must deliver results quickly, while Iran mistakenly believes it can stall.
Despite the uncertainty, Zell said he trusts Trump’s judgment and believes the US-Israel partnership has placed Israel in one of its strongest strategic positions in history.
He concluded that America and Israel hold far stronger cards than Iran, including pressure from within Iranian society and Israel’s operational reach inside the country.
