A national security scholar criticized President Donald Trump's handling of the Iran conflict, highlighting his inability to provide coherent responses to escalating tensions.

Tom Nichols, writing for The Atlantic, condemned Trump's remarks during a NATO summit in Ankara, where the president dismissed the Iran memorandum as 'dead' and called Iranian leaders 'scum.

' Nichols argued that Trump's approach reflects a lack of strategic leadership, instead showcasing reactive behavior akin to 'flailing' under pressure.

The article contrasts Trump's recent comments with previous praise for Iranian leaders, who he had previously described as 'rational,' 'strong,' and 'nice to deal with.

' Nichols also pointed out the president's gaffes, such as confusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and misnaming TikTok as 'Tic Tac.' The expert warned of Trump's dangerous proposals, including a potential invasion of Iran and a campaign of probable war crimes.

The piece underscores concerns about the administration's capacity to manage international crises effectively, emphasizing the risks posed by a leader perceived as unprepared for the complexities of modern warfare.