Daily Alert Archives

The U.S. Strike on Iran Was Probably the Right Move. We May Need to Do It Again

(Washington Post) Emily Harding - President Trump's decision to bomb three of Iran's nuclear sites was a targeted effort at a narrow goal. Israel repeatedly said it had a plan to finish the fight itself, but the U.S. joining with its heavier weapons adds certainty that the destruction would be extensive. Iran's leaders are, in practice, more cautious than their bellicose and bombastic rhetoric suggests. Their primary interest is the survival of their regime. Their strike Monday against Qatar fits the pattern: They publicly demonstrate their retaliation, but with no casualties. They threaten, but their actions tell a different story. Instead of a robust retaliation against the U.S., Iran will likely spend most of its energy learning what survives under the rubble of its nuclear program and trying to regain some of its shaky regional position. Washington should demand immediate inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities to ascertain the damage. If Iran does not allow it, Washington should be prepared to strike again. The skies over Iran are still clear, thanks to Israel dismantling Iran's air defenses. Israel's efforts to degrade Iran's defenses have been more successful than anticipated. Now the U.S. can consolidate its gains and lay the groundwork for a more peaceful, sustainable future, free of Iranian terrorist proxy networks backed by the looming threat of a nuclear weapon. The writer, a former Iran director at the U.S. National Security Council (2007-8), is director of the Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
2025-06-24 00:00:00
Full Article