Trump had to crush Iran instead of making deals. He didn't — now he pays the price.

A former U.S. president’s controversial wartime advice to Ukraine has resurfaced, highlighting a stark contrast with his own foreign policy actions. The remark—made last year—suggested that nations must be certain of victory before engaging in conflict, a perspective now undermined by his administration’s role in escalating tensions with another country. Critics argue the statement was misleading from the start, as Ukraine was defending itself rather than initiating hostilities. The timing of the revelation adds new layers to ongoing debates over leadership, strategy, and accountability in international conflicts.

Last April, President Trump scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on warfare. Trump told Zelensky, "When you start a war, you got to know you can win." That advice was inapt to begin with — Ukraine didn't start the defensive war in which it is now engaged — but it has aged especially poorly.   Trump started a war with Iran this...