Those against potential American involvement in the conflict with Iran argue that the US should avoid engaging in another prolonged war in the Middle East.
However, this isn’t really an endless conflict. In fact, “giving peace a chance” sometimes leads to war.
Iran is at the center of ongoing turmoil and dread in the region. It supplies resources and funding to numerous terrorist groups in various locations, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, the Houthis in Yemen, Shiite militias in Iraq, and of course, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard itself.
If Iran were unable to sustain these operations—meaning lack of funding and weaponry or a collapse of the regime—there would be little to fuel ongoing conflict in the area.
Currently, Sunni Arab nations have rallied for peace. Trump’s vision for the “India-Middle East European Economic Corridor” (IMEC) awaits this shift. Iran stands as the primary barrier.
Opponents of military engagement seem to think that an invasion is needed to defeat Iran, likening it to the US’s entanglements in Afghanistan and Iraq, which isn’t the case. Even Israel doesn’t desire that scenario.
The main objective of the Israeli military campaign is to dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This could largely be accomplished through airstrikes. Ground forces may be necessary, but likely only in limited situations.
Israel’s stated aim is to compel Iran to agree to stringent American demands and sign a deal that would curb its nuclear program—not just by military action, although that might become essential.
Another strategy to achieve these aims could involve toppling the Iranian regime. This wouldn’t require an invasion but would entail weakening the state enough to enable the Iranian populace to effect change themselves.
Many Iranians possess a sophisticated and pro-American outlook. They aren’t being led into modernity under their current circumstances. If external pressures lessen, they might initiate change for themselves.
This shouldn’t be characterized as an “eternal war.” Critics, reminiscent of the proverbial incompetent general, are focused more on the distant past rather than current realities.
If it comes down to it, Israel may need to engage Iran independently. Should that situation arise, it ought to do so with complete American backing.
