Trump’s agenda now: Destroy Iranian regime's ability to govern – opinion

U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a significant escalation in military pressure against Iran, stating the United States is prepared to "hit them very hard" until they "can't go on anymore." This declaration, made at a cabinet meeting at Camp David, indicates a strategic shift in U.S. policy toward the Iranian regime. Reports suggest Trump is reviewing, or has already ordered, preparations for a new phase of military operations that could commence as early as this weekend.

The primary focus of these potential operations is reportedly Iran's energy infrastructure, including power plants, oil refineries, and the national electricity grid. While the final decision on executing these strikes is expected only hours before launch due to security concerns, the move signifies a departure from previous strategies that targeted Iran's nuclear infrastructure or Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) installations. The objective now appears to be the erosion of the regime's governing capacity, aiming to push it into a corner.

“

We’re going to hit them very hard. Eventually, they’ll reach a point where they say, ‘We can’t go on anymore.’

This intensified pressure on Iran's ruling dictatorship could potentially ignite another wave of nationwide public unrest, particularly given the Islamic Republic's long-standing failure to deliver development or prosperity. Many Iranians may welcome the regime's humiliation and eventual surrender, viewing any temporary hardships caused by infrastructure disruption as necessary pains for a transition toward the regime's collapse. Meanwhile, Tehran's propaganda machine has warned of severe retaliation against attacks on critical infrastructure, which could be interpreted as an indirect acknowledgment of the regime's preparation for a wider confrontation and a potential activation of dormant terrorist cells or asymmetric capabilities.

The coming phase of military operations appears to rest on four strategic objectives, the first of which is to cripple the regime's already fragile governing capacity by targeting its energy infrastructure. This approach underscores a deliberate strategy to undermine the state's fundamental ability to function and maintain control.

“

We just want to win.