Trump Allies Accuse ‘Mossad Agents’ of Sabotaging Iran Negotiations
Trump allies have begun accusing ‘Mossad agents’ and ‘warmongers’ of sabotaging US-Iran negotiations. Following the dismissal of a Pentagon official, conservative pundits highlight a divide within Trump’s circle regarding foreign policy, especially toward pro-Israel positions. Public sentiment towards Israel is also shifting negatively, particularly among younger Republicans. As talks with Iran progress, Trump’s administration faces challenges balancing diplomatic efforts with its historically hawkish approach.
Amid rising tensions over Iran, some of former President Donald Trump’s allies are claiming that “Mossad agents” and “warmongers” are attempting to undermine US diplomatic efforts. This isn’t rhetoric from foreign state-run media; it’s being echoed by influential voices close to Trump, including conservative pundits. Recently, talk show host Tucker Carlson highlighted the dismissal of a senior Defense Department official, who he argued was removed for opposition to military action against Iran.
Dan Caldwell, an advisor to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, faced accusations of leaking classified information prior to his ousting from the Pentagon. Carlson, who has significant access to Trump’s inner circle, has framed Caldwell as a victim of Washington’s war-centric establishment. He claimed, “You did make maybe one career mistake by giving on-the-record interviews describing your foreign policy views…that are out of the mainstream among warmongers in Washington.”
Conservative influencer Clayton Morris has added to this narrative, asserting that ex-Mossad agents are influencing public opinion against Trump’s so-called “anti-war team” at the Pentagon. He remarked that these former agents are seeking to discredit key figures like Hegseth without naming anyone specific. This growing faction within the Republican Party reflects a stark divide between typical hawkish members and those advocating for a more isolationist stance, including influential allies like White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Media personalities such as Carlson and ex-advisor Steve Bannon play a critical role in Trump’s messaging. The firings of Caldwell and others have ignited enthusiasm among the isolationist faction, challenging the party’s long-standing alignment with pro-Israel sentiment. For instance, pro-Trump critics have targeted Merav Ceren, a nominee to oversee Iran and Israel at the National Security Council. Ceren’s background—born in Israel and a former IDF official—has prompted backlash, with accusations about dual loyalty in Trump’s inner circle.
Public opinion towards Israel in America is shifting. Among younger Republicans, skepticism is increasing, especially after recent violence in the region. A Pew Poll indicates a decline in favorable views of Israel, climbing to 53% unfavorable as of April, up from 42%. This sentiment appears to resonate with the audience of podcasts run by critics of foreign intervention like Morris and Carlson.
As Trump navigates these complicated issues, his administration grapples with mixed signals on Iran’s nuclear aspirations. While Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff indicated a potential openness to limited Iranian enrichment, responses from pro-Israel advocates pressed for a tougher stance. Recently, Secretary Rubio suggested the US might consider rejoining a deal that allows Iran to maintain a civilian nuclear program, provided it stops enrichment.
Meanwhile, American and Iranian teams are engaged in discussions in Oman, with Trump expressing optimism about the negotiations during a press conference, asserting they’re going “very well”. Trump stated, “We’ll have something without having to start dropping bombs all over the place,” indicating a desire to predicate policy on diplomacy rather than military action.
Overall, the discourse surrounding the US-Iran talks has become increasingly polarized, balancing between traditional hawkish approaches and emerging isolationist views within the Republican Party. The influences of former Trump allies shaping public perception around pro-Israel sentiment, coupled with shifting American opinions on Israel, point to a significant evolution in the party’s foreign policy stance. As negotiations continue, the Trump administration must find a way to align its internal factions while navigating potential volatility in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
