Iran is scheming to freak Trump out: NYT columnist
Smoke rises following an explosio in Tehran, Iran. Majid Asgaripour/WANA via REUTERS.
March 02, 2026
New York Times columnist Tom Friedman predicted Iran's military strategy targets Trump's primary vulnerability: the stock market and economy. Appearing on "Morning Joe," Friedman argued that the Iranian leadership recognizes Trump gauges his performance through market indicators and has weaponized this knowledge. Iran's missile strikes on Middle Eastern targets and infrastructure aim to create chaos in global oil and financial markets, destabilizing Trump and making him more vulnerable to negotiations. Friedman suggested Iran's approach involves driving oil prices higher and the Dow Jones lower, hoping Trump will "chicken out" as he has previously. By destabilizing economic conditions, Iran believes it can pressure Trump into favorable negotiation terms. The strategy reflects Iran's recognition that, despite U.S. military superiority, economic disruption represents Trump's critical pressure point.
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