The Iran strikes: Trump’s power move on the geopolitical chessboard | Cash Call | Andrew Wong

Following the United States’ and Israel’s large-scale attack on Iran, the global situation is expected to shift rapidly.

This issue involves the United States’ broader diplomatic dealings with other nations. For instance, Trump is scheduled to visit China starting March 31. If the Iran issue remains unresolved, Trump risks being perceived as holding a weaker position during his visit to China, which is an outcome he would find unacceptable.

It is worth noting that since Trump’s second term as president began in late January last year, his tariff policies have been a cornerstone of his administration’s achievements. However, following a ruling by the US Supreme Court that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs violated the US Constitution, analysts widely believe that the Trump administration may struggle to take effective action against countries such as China and Russia. Consequently, the United States may find itself at a disadvantage when addressing trade issues with China or the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

That said, one critical point that has been overlooked is that, within the first year of his second term, Trump had already ordered airstrikes on Iran and Venezuela, securing outcomes that were highly favorable to the United States while also inflicting some degree of economic pressure on China and Russia. Therefore, it is entirely in line with Trump’s personality and approach for the United States, in coordination with Israel, to launch a comprehensive attack on Khamenei’s regime prior to Trump’s visit to China. Such an action serves as a demonstration of strength to China.

Of course, the joint actions of the United States and Israel have and will inevitably bring about significant consequences. These include retaliation from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as challenges related to preventing issues such as prolonged military deployments or governance transitions, reminiscent of those faced after the invasion of Iraq. However, China and Russia must also contend with the implications of a regime change in Iran, a country with which they have maintained positive relations. If Iran undergoes a political transformation, the Trump administration is highly likely to shift its focus toward addressing challenges posed by China and Russia during the remainder of Trump’s term. This would undoubtedly create considerable difficulties for both nations, while further exacerbating global geopolitical instability.

Andrew Wong is a veteran independent commentator