Trump, like many of his countrymen, was looking forward to a showdown with the ayatollahs in order to avenge the humiliation of the hostage crisis in 1979. He was persuaded by his advisers that tearing up the nuclear agreement was a mistake, however, and he was preoccupied with other issues, so an uneasy peace prevailed in 2017. Things would be much different, however, in the following year.
Trump seized his chance after a minor confrontation between Iranian and US vessels in the Persian Gulf in early 2018; he demanded an apology and the payment of reparations. When the Iranians refused, he ordered airstrikes on military and political targets in Tehran. The Iranians looked to Putin for assistance, but, not wishing to relinquish the fruits of his alliance with Trump in eastern Europe, he declined.
Lacking any other way of retaliating, the Iranians mined the Persian Gulf and announced they were restarting their nuclear program. Worldwide oil prices skyrocketed, much to Putin’s delight. Facing a severe recession, Trump ordered an all out missile and air assault on Iran. This included the use of some low level nuclear weapons.
The Islamic Republic was destroyed. Monuments were built to Trump in Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem. Debate began on funding one in Washington.