The Trump logic seems to run as follows: There are, broadly speaking, only two possible outcomes of the U.S.-Israeli air campaign. The overthrow of Serbia’s Slobodan Milosevic in October 2000 — the delayed reaction to a U.S.-led air campaign — is arguably the exception that proves the rule. The air campaign is intended to destroy the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran’s navy, air force, air defenses, missile capabilities and nuclear weapons program. Even if new leaders arise out of the old Islamic regime, they will have far less power to harm their neighbors or the United States. Stressing that America was only at war with those countries’ evil leaders, the president felt responsible to assist their people.

Source: Washington Post March 09, 2026 14:46 UTC