From the launch of Epic Fury, President Trump’s messaging on the purpose of the conflict has been mixed.

Within one week of the commencement, the goals were variously stated as destruction of Iran’s military, including nuclear, capability; freedom for the Iranian people; ending the current regime and preventing Iran from funding terrorists outside its borders. The motivation for the conflict was stated as defense of the U.S. or being forced into action by Israel depending on the day the question was asked.

Almost three months have passed since conflict began. Some of Iran’s military capability has been destroyed. The Strait of Hormuz is closed. The economic fallout of the closure has hit countries across the globe including ours. Negotiations have been on-going and endlessly fruitless.

A few days ago, Trump announced the prospect of a memorandum of understanding with Iran and the Gulf Arab nations that could lead to the end of the conflict. He’s given the parties 60 days to negotiate the MOU. At least one source claims that the terms include, among others, a gradual opening of the Strait, Iran handing over its enriched uranium and the U.S. unfreezing Iran’s monetary assets held overseas.

These terms are a very far cry from the objectives Trump stated in the early days of conflict. No regime change, no total destruction of Iran’s military capability, no regime change and no freedom for the Iranian people.

Through all of this the light has finally dawned on Trump’s conflict objective, that is, the Gulf Arab nations solidifying a permanent alliance with Israel and the U.S. Apparently, the alliance is more important than the failed objectives of the early days of conflict.

Very eerie.