Trump sounds reluctant to attack Iran. But he's increasingly surrounded by hawks.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

For the second time this week, President Trump is signaling a not-so-aggressive posture toward Iran’s provocations. A few days ago, Trump called two oil tanker attacks that the U.S. government blames on Iran “very minor.” Then on Thursday, Trump suggested Iran didn’t intentionally shoot down a U.S. drone.

The combined picture is one of a president who has talked tough about Iran for decades now looking to justify avoiding armed conflict.

But the people advising Trump seems to be pushing for the opposite approach, which makes you wonder whether he can hold them off.

Much ink has been spilled about just how much national security adviser John Bolton has advocated conflict with Iran. But other influential Republicans around Trump are increasingly pointing toward a confrontation. Trump appears to be an aspiring dove surrounded by hawks.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) this weekend expressly called for a strike, saying, “These unprovoked attacks on commercial shipping warrant a retaliatory military strike.” He repeated the call twice more for emphasis.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) also walked up to the line on Thursday, tweeting that Trump need not seek congressional authorization to strike Iran — a position many in Congress disagree with.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trump-sounds-reluctant-to-attack-iran-but-hes-increasingly-surrounded-by-hawks/ar-AADb9uS?li=BBnb7Kz

[underpants]

1. He's scared

He's all bluster and, he thinks, an intimidating bully.


Iran is pushing him to make a mistake. BUT, and yes I know this counters my last point, Sen. Kaine said this morning on NPR that CJC Gen. Dunford and others in the Pentagon see Iran's actions a result of the Trump/Pompeo/Bolton incoherent actions.

5:11 Audio here
https://www.npr.org/2019/06/20/734323833/iran-needs-to-knock-off-bad-decisions-sen-tim-kaine-says

[cwydro]

7. The whole world knows he's a baby in a diaper.

Soiling himself in indecision.

[Hassler]

2. Chump is a coward. He did what he always does, says something

Threatening then walks it back by saying what he always says: the people in charge (Putin, Kim, Bonesaw and now Iran's leaders didn't know, it must have been a flunky acting on his own.

[Kurt V.]

3. trump actually has a couple core beliefs. war is one. he's terrified of being commander.

[C_U_L8R]

4. He only listens to one advisor

Putin.

[Sneederbunk]

5. He simply does not know what h is doing.

Way in over his head.

[cwydro]

6. I dont believe a word he says.

Anyone who does is crazy as a bedbug.

[Skittles]

8. Trump is a fucking moron

but since Bush INC was never held accountable for lying their way into a war, many of the same people are surely onboard to do it again

[struggle4progress]

9. "If you find out who talked to Donald last, you'll know what the US policy is!"

[NastyRiffraff]

10. Putin told him not to

and his performance review is coming up.

[njhoneybadger]

11. Bingo

How crazy is it that Putin is calling the shots for America

[maryellen99]

12. I think this is going to be the time trump ignores him

He’s more concerned about keeping himself out of prison.