Analyst warns 'future looks pretty grim' in Trump's Iran
Smoke rises from an explosion at an unknown location, during what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran, in this still image taken from a handout video released on July 19, 2026. U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. OVERLAY AND MASKING AT SOURCE. VERIFICATION: Location and date could not be verified. No earlier version of the video found posted online before July 19.
Following the killing of three American service members over the weekend, an analyst argues a nightmare scenario is unfolding on the global stage.
"The future looks pretty grim," the New Republic's Tomasky wrote.
Tomasky continued, outlining four ominous scenarios President Donald Trump could pursue.
"I mean, we’ve got Trump doing the one thing he said he’d never do: running a war."
"Knowing what we know about his attention span, his decision-making process, his willed ignorance of history, his refusal to read briefing papers, and his habit of responding to the last thing he saw on Fox News or Newsmax, we have plenty of reason to be worried here — and by 'we,' I don’t mean liberals or Democrats or even Americans. I mean the world."
Tomasky warned Trump could bomb civilian infrastructure like power stations, potentially driving Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz and destabilizing global economy.
He could also launch massive bombing raids on Kharg Island, a territory responsible for 90 percent of Iran's oil and gas exports, or attempt a ground invasion.
Most alarmingly, if Trump becomes impatient expecting quick victory, Tomasky warned he might resort to tactical nuclear weapons.
Tomasky concluded Trump lacks conscience and foresight, acting only to escape immediate problems, thus making nuclear escalation genuinely possible.
"At any given moment, he’ll do what he thinks he needs to do to get out of whatever immediate jam he’s put himself in. That’s why we’re in this war in the first place. And that’s why Donald Trump running a real-live war is the world’s worst nightmare."
