Trump Allies Claim ‘Mossad Agents’ Are Undermining Iran Negotiations

Allies of Donald Trump have claimed that former Mossad agents and warmongers are undermining U.S.-Iran negotiations. Key conservative figures like Tucker Carlson and Clayton Morris highlight internal conflicts regarding military actions in Iran. The Republican Party is experiencing a split between traditional hawks and isolationists, with growing skepticism towards Israel evident among Americans, particularly younger voters.

Recent comments from allies of former President Donald Trump suggest that external forces, labeled as “Mossad agents” and “warmongers,” are poised to disrupt ongoing negotiations with Iran. This sentiment, surprisingly, is not arising from Iranian state media but from prominent figures within Trump’s orbit. Notably, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson recently featured a senior Department of Defense official who he claims was dismissed due to internal opposition against military actions aimed at Iran. Per several reports, Dan Caldwell was allegedly removed from his Pentagon post for leaking classified information, although Carlson disputes this account.

Carlson, who maintains significant access to Trump, remarked on the situation during his show, pointing to Caldwell’s interviews as a misstep that garnered him accusations of treachery. In a separate instance, Clayton Morris, another conservative voice previously associated with Fox News, voiced that pro-Israel factions are actively working to undermine what he refers to as Trump’s “anti-war team” at the Department of Defense.

Morris asserted on his podcast, called Redacted, that purported former agents of the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, have been attempting to tarnish the reputation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, although he did not specify any names. The Trump administration appears divided, between traditional Republicans and a rising faction of “America First” isolationists, showcasing emerging ideological conflicts within the party.

The dismissals of Caldwell and other Pentagon officials have seemingly reinvigorated the isolationist sentiment among Trump supporters, marking a notable shift within the Republican Party away from its historically hawkish stance. Pro-Trump media figures have recently scrutinized Merav Ceren, a nominee for a position at the National Security Council. Ceren, who has a background in Israeli defense, has been critiqued by Morris as an inappropriate choice due to her dual citizenship and ties to military service.

This criticism is symptomatic of a broader trend toward skepticism regarding Israel amongst the American public, a sentiment that has been notably amplified since the recent escalation of violence in Gaza post the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. A Pew Poll from April 2023 revealed that disfavor towards Israel has risen from 42% to 53% among Americans within a year, with younger Republicans expressing particular disillusionment.

As Trump navigates the complexities of foreign policy while promising to avoid new military engagements, contradictions arise from his team’s messaging regarding Iran. Steve Witkoff, a key envoy, previously suggested a more lenient approach towards Iran’s uranium enrichment, only to later retract his statements amid pushback from pro-Israel supporters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently indicated a willingness for the U.S. to reinstate a deal allowing Iran to maintain a civilian nuclear program, contingent on halting its enrichment activities.

In ongoing discussions held in Oman, American and Iranian representatives have met for a third round of talks, with Trump expressing optimism about the negotiations. He indicated that a resolution could be achieved without resorting to military action, stating, “We’ll have something without having to start dropping bombs all over the place.”

Amid concerns about external influences disrupting U.S.-Iran relations, Trump allies are vocalizing their grievances about perceived “Mossad agents” undermining diplomatic efforts. This internal rift within the Trump camp reflects a notable shift in Republican perspectives towards Israel. As negotiations progress, the administration faces challenges in balancing its foreign policy stance, revealing contradictions in responses to Iran’s nuclear activities. These evolving dynamics highlight a significant departure from traditional party views as skepticism towards Israel grows among the U.S. populace, particularly among younger Republicans.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net