At the expense of sounding overly hawkish and unappreciative of the effects of war, I want to strongly recommend that maximum pressure be exerted on Iran during this current moment of chaos by the US and Israel.
It’s likely that Iran will be focused on forming a new government given that several senior officials were killed in a helicopter crash this week. By responding aggressively now, the US and Israel could inspire anarchy and an attitudinal change in the new lineup of leaders in Iran.
The big question is what are Iran’s intentions in the region short term and long term? Is Iran marking time until it develops a nuclear weapon? The US and the Middle East will be in a precarious predicament when, and if, Iran can back its threats with a weapon of mass destruction.
The world should expect Iran to ultimately step up its objective of destabilization of the region with its enemies when a bomb is in its arsenal. The new government of Iran will surely reflect the demented vision of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader. Khamenei will need to consider the temperature of Iranians throughout the country. There may be an opportunity to disrupt the country before the ayatollahs have a dangerous weapon and convince their followers to go to war on a larger scale.
I believe the drama of the leadership changes gives the US and Israel an opportune time to step up military actions against Iran. This can be done while they are pondering their next moves in the region. A total economic blitz is also advisable. Anything the US can do to create economic turmoil in Iran would be wise to implement. Of note, preventing Iran from selling oil would be a good strategy. In essence we should try to bankrupt Iran.
Militarily, the US and Israel have the right to defend themselves and their allies. Far greater responses to actions by Iran to destabilize the area are justified. This would include terrorism perpetrated by Iran’s proxies against the US, Israel and other countries.
Iran will not counter with an existential response because it cannot afford to enter into a full-blown war with the US and Israel. Targets should be military encampments and areas where Iran’s proxies are amassing. This would include actions against Hamas, Hezbollah and any other terrorist groups operating in the area. It is time to dramatically weaken Iran economically, diplomatically and militarily. It is highly doubtful any major countries would do anything to stop the US except to jawbone against our actions.
Of critical importance is an opportunity to destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Destroying these facilities will be a giant leap towards a safer and more peaceful Middle East.
Iran is becoming more of an existential threat every day. The efforts of Iran to build a nuclear bomb will come to fruition if the US or Israel does not respond before this fateful day. If Iran responds with force, it should be no problem for the US to destroy Iran expeditiously, as we did with Iraq in the first war.
There will be no peace until the threats of Iran are dealt with. Most of the world will appreciate efforts of the US to do so.