Trump Establishes Unlimited Final Chances Doctrine For Iran
President Donald Trump unveiled Iran’s “last chance” Monday, formally establishing an Unlimited Final Chances Doctrine under which every ultimatum remains permanent until it is replaced by another permanent ultimatum. Trump said talks would begin with reopening the Strait of Hormuz, proceed to Iran’s nuclear program and conclude with a ceremonial announcement that negotiations had never occurred. Administration officials described the doctrine as a historic breakthrough that allows the United States to issue consequences without enduring the administrative burden of imposing them.
“This is absolutely their last chance, and when I say last, I mean there will be no chances after it except emergency chances, special chances and maybe one beautiful final chance,” Trump said. “Those are not regular chances. They are completely different, and everyone understands that.” The president’s statement followed his decision to postpone a threatened escalation after discussions with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. White House officials said the postponement demonstrated resolve because the original deadline had frightened everyone sufficiently before being folded up and placed in a desk drawer for future use.
Iranian officials maintained that they were discussing maritime access with Oman rather than negotiating directly with Washington. The White House cited that denial as evidence of rapid diplomatic progress, noting that successful talks often begin when one party insists the talks do not exist and the other declares victory over them. Officials added that any disagreement over what was discussed would be resolved during a later phase devoted to deciding whether the earlier phases happened. A final phase would prohibit further use of the word “phase.”
Administration aides said the new doctrine converts “last chance” from a finite warning into a renewable federal resource available whenever television coverage uses phrases such as “backed down,” “reversed course” or “changed his mind.” Trump also announced that American patience was running out, though officials confirmed it could be replenished indefinitely by Gulf phone calls, unfavorable polling, market declines or the routine arrival of tomorrow. Iran has therefore received its final chance, with all subsequent final chances already authorized.
* None of the quotes in this article were spoken by an actual person. More info.