We, the citizens, are not the intended audience for much of what comes out of the White House. Foreign governments are. It may be a show of military or economic strength some times. It may be a show of good faith negotiation. It may be a demonstration of willingness to apply promised consequences.

I don't believe the Trump administration is blind to domestic election politics. They appear to genuinely be working towards the best long term outcomes even there are short term political costs.

I’ll admit I search “Iran war” every morning hoping to find an end to the uncertainty and am a bit disappointed nothing has changed. Looking at the half-full glass, that also means a nuclear weapon free Iran is still the status quo and Trump is maintaining his promise one day at a time.