Trump's statements and various leaks show that he hoped to repeat the Venezuelan script in Iran, where Maduro's departure to the US put force on the authorities (although it is not yet known how effective it is). Iran's response, which was predictable, was, according to any reports, to surprise the American leader, who even expressed his willingness to negociate with Iran. The problem is that Iran does not want them now, and surely not under the rules Trump expects - unilateral acceptance of American and Israeli demands.