To Bomb or Not to Bomb Iran Is Now the Question
It will take concessions, patience and allies for a negotiated alternative to succeed.
Street art in Tehran.
Photographer: ALIREZA/AFPIran’s Islamist regime hasn’t been this vulnerable for decades, nor as close to being able to build a nuclear arsenal. So, does that mean it’s finally time to bomb?
Donald Trump’s preference is clear: He wants a deal and is willing to go to war if he doesn’t get one. To make the threat credible and prepare for contingencies, the Pentagon has begun major deployments to the region, including a second aircraft carrier and B2 stealth bombers. Israel awaits a green light, finger on trigger.
The problem is that it’s a much shorter and easier path to war than to the kind of deal Trump wants, especially now Israel is again escalating hostilities in Gaza. It’s what happens after air strikes that’s hard to predict or control.
Iranian threats of retaliation against US assets and allies worldwide may sound hollow, after Iran’s humiliation in missile duels with Israel. But not all US allies, embassies and bases enjoy the protection of Israel’s layered air defenses.