An Iranian newspaper’s publication of Trump and other figures under crosshairs was intended as intimidation. Schleifer, however, sees it as evidence that Tehran is losing confidence and abandoning the subtle psychological warfare that previously served it well.

Iran appears to believe that America’s policy depends almost entirely on Trump and that removing him could produce a weaker administration willing to make concessions. But Schleifer argues that Tehran may be badly misjudging the president’s anger and determination.

Trump’s increasingly harsh language toward Iran also suggests that he feels personally deceived after believing an agreement was possible. Schleifer says the Iranian regime never truly intended to honor its commitments and views confrontation with the West as part of its ideological mission.