Trump is perfecting how to live with Iran. He should be outgrowing it

Published October 6, 2026 10:00am ET



Something more consequential may be taking shape in Washington than any single headline about Iran suggests.

Over the past several days, the United States and its partners have moved simultaneously across several fronts. The Group of Seven agreed to release emergency oil and diesel reserves. Washington has reinforced the protection of Gulf energy infrastructure. Saudi-backed forces in Yemen have launched a major campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis around the approaches to Bab el Mandeb, with Saudi air power supporting operations there. The U.S., meanwhile, is providing intelligence and targeting assistance while withholding direct combat involvement. The Trump administration has also widened economic pressure on Tehran while sending additional military assets to the region.

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