Again, I would like to start out by saying; above all else, I really hope this situation in the Middle East can somehow work towards bringing lasting peace and stability to the region.
I invite civil, bipartisan discussion on this post.
I had some more brief thoughts on the decision by Donald Trump to strike Iran:
- Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran, which came with significant risk; namely the risk that Iran would try to develop nuclear weaponry.
- Claims that the United States gave Iran money in that deal are deeply misleading, as the U.S. unfroze Iranian assets – they did not hand money to Iran.
- Donald Trump and his administration claimed in June 2025 that Iran’s nuclear program was completely obliterated. The headline literally reads, “Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Have Been Obliterated — and Suggestions Otherwise are Fake News”
- The Trump administration briefed Congressional staff stating that Iran was not preparing to launch strikes against U.S. interests.
Moreover, I am unclear what the actual objective is:
- Donald Trump suggested regime change by telling the Iranian people “take back your country”.
- Pete Hegseth said it is “not a so-called regime change war”
- President Trump suggested the goal was to stop Iranian nuclear weapons programs – which, again, was said to be completely obliterated.
Do you want regime change? Are we targeting missiles, or nuclear weapons capabilities, or the navy? Are we trying to establish a new government?
I certainly do not fully trust Iranian government’s word on civilian casualties, but the report that a school was hit during these strikes is concerning. However, it certainly does not seem like Pete Hegseth is concerned about following international law and minimizing civilian harm when he said:
I don’t know exactly what Secretary Hegseth is referring to, but it certainly sounds ominous. I, for one, would like to believe the United States will follow the Geneva Convention and do everything in their power to minimize collateral damage.
Sources:
Trump’s plan for the Iran nuclear deal comes with huge risks
Fact Check: Did the US Under Obama Give Iran $150 Billion? – Newsweek
Hegseth defends US attack on Iran as ‘our retribution’ – ABC News
Trump Seeks to Justify Iran War, but Stated Objectives Shift
More Than 100 Reported Killed in Strike on Girls’ School in Iran. Here’s What We Know | TIME
WATCH: Hegseth insists the Iran conflict is ‘not Iraq’ and is ‘not endless’ | PBS News
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