US Attacks Iran 2026

[Szdfan]

Allies, for starters. How many of the US’s traditional allies that helped the US during its post-9/11 “War on Terror” are helping Trump now with Iran?

Considering how poorly the "War on Terror" was conducted, I don't think anything about how it was done then is a very good guide on how to do things in the future.

Secondly, Iran. No matter how much Trump declares victory, the Iranians aren’t acting like it. Maybe they don’t believe his threats. They’re not acting like they do.

My understanding is that Iran now consists of multiple factions who are not unified, and the rumour going around is that Trump has successfully negotiated with one and is trying to position for them to "win" over the other factions.

This isn’t about me or what I think. Look at the patterns of how other actors and entities around the world are responding. Credibility in foreign policy shows up in how other countries respond. Right now we’re seeing hesitation from allies and defiance from Iran. If Trump’s messaging and behavior was more consistent, I’d expect more alignment than that.

What exactly are you asking for?

As you know, I don’t support the war in the first place.

But putting that aside, if the US is going to do this, do it with a coherent, consistent strategy with clear signaling. If this is about negotiating a deal, then say that and pursue it coherently. If it’s about pressuring Iran into capitulating, then pursue that coherently.

Right now, all this bouncing around between de-escalation and threats is making this conflict harder to end and drawing it out further. The kind of erratic inconsistency we’re seeing makes it easier for the other side to wait it out.

[mike]

As you know, I don’t support the war in the first place.

But putting that aside, if the US is going to do this, do it with a coherent, consistent strategy with clear signaling. If this is about negotiating a deal, then say that and pursue it coherently. If it’s about pressuring Iran into capitulating, then pursue that coherently.

Right now, all this bouncing around between de-escalation and threats is making this conflict harder to end and drawing it out further. The kind of erratic inconsistency we’re seeing makes it easier for the other side to wait it out.

We don't even know whether this is what is actually happening. We don't know what is actually happening in the negotiations. We just know what they (all sides) decide to put out for public consumption, and it is common for governments to throw out all kinds of this to throw off their adversaries and the public during wartime. What actually means something is what is actually accomplished when it is all said and done.

[mike]

Allies, for starters. How many of the US’s traditional allies that helped the US during its post-9/11 “War on Terror” are helping Trump now with Iran?

Keep in mind that these are the countries who for years let the US essentially fund their own defense, in the form of financing NATO, while not meeting their own commitments, and who also called for the US to support Ukraine's war against Russia, while they funded both sides in the form of buying Russian energy, and while not supporting Ukraine to the extent that it could actually prevail against Russia. I assume these are some of the reasons Trump doesn't care as much about what US European allies currently think.

Even if everything you say about the allies is true, Trump still needs them on board to be able to exert “maximum pressure” on Iran. Foreign policy doesn’t happen in a vacuum. If the allies aren’t supporting or coordinating with the US, that limits the amount of pressure and makes it easier for Iran to evade.

He hasn't needed them so far. He even told them to stay away at one point, and also told them to come and open the strait themselves if they want it to be open, and apparently the UK and France at least at one point had plans to actually send forces to the area.

Also again, presumably there are plenty of interactions between the US and its allies even when public disagreements are taking place. We don't know what those are.

[temporal1]

As you know, I don’t support the war in the first place.

If there were a forum poll, i would expect 100% agreement.
To this and all military action, now, in history, and future.

Earthly governments engage in military actions.

Unfortunately, there is abundant destruction and violence, often perpetrated on unwarned, unarmed innocents that have nothing to do with politics or government. Lots of discussion on this forum. Darkness on earth. i’ve been a victim of violence, as have some family, i’ll take my chances with trained police and military. Perfect? - no. Better than others? - yes.

With the U.S. gov., WARNINGS are given, invitations to negotiate, delays and extensions. Innocents are not deliberately targeted, expect for abortion.

When is this reciprocated? Restraint is done, even knowing mercy will not be reciprocated.

Seat 33F.