How America can actually win the war against Iran - opinion

The Iranian regime's greatest fear is its own population, a vulnerability that should be central to U.S. strategy for ending the current conflict, according to an opinion piece. Current U.S. approaches, focusing heavily on military strikes and economic sanctions, are deemed too slow and indirect, allowing Tehran to adapt and maintain control.

“

The regime in Tehran fears its own people more than it fears American bombs. That single fact has been the key to Iranian strategy since this war began, and it should be the key to American strategy for ending it.

The author contends that while targeting military infrastructure and imposing economic pressure are relevant, they are unlikely to topple the regime independently. These actions can eventually incite popular anger, but this is a gradual process that gives the regime time to deflect blame and suppress dissent. The piece advocates for a faster, more decisive path to victory without deploying American troops.

“

Destroyed power plants and refineries can eventually produce popular anger, but that is a slow, indirect route to victory. The current approach gives the regime time to adapt, to blame outsiders, and to keep its grip on the streets.

Five alternative strategies are proposed. First, the U.S. should publicly demand verifiable proof of life for Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose recent statements have all been written texts, unlike his father's frequent public appearances. Washington should cease negotiations until proof of his living status is provided, creating a crisis of legitimacy for the regime. Second, Israel should be given a free hand to dismantle Hezbollah in Lebanon, recognizing it as Iran's foreign legion and part of the broader war against Iran.

“

If America wants a faster, more decisive path to victory, without a single American boot on the ground, there are five things it should do instead.

Third, the U.S. should encourage Iranians to resume protests, with a commitment from Israel to provide drone cover over Iranian cities to protect demonstrators from security forces. The article implies further strategies would involve holding regime officials personally accountable, though details are cut off. The core argument is that exploiting the regime's internal vulnerability to its own people offers a more effective route to achieving U.S. objectives.

“

First, demand public proof of life of Mojtaba Khamenei. Since February 28, every statement attributed to the man now treated as Iran’s supreme leader has been a written text, never a video or even an audio recording.