Cliff Notes – Has the US has forced Iran’s hand? What happens next?
- The U.S. military has joined Israel’s conflict by targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, prompting mixed reactions among Israelis, who now face heightened concerns about potential escalation
- Iran’s sovereignty has been violated twice in the last month, first by Israel and then by the United States.
- Iran’s responses hang in the balance, with key military figures likely pushing for a strong reaction, while moderates may advocate for caution to avoid further conflict with the U.S.
- The Iranian government faces significant internal pressure and potential dissent amidst a backdrop of national humiliation, as their nuclear ambitions have been severely compromised.
- The Iranian atomic energy has released a statement and said ‘these actions by the US are violations of International Law’ and they will not deter the nuclear program
What happens next is largely in Iran’s control – but there are no good choices | Has the US has forced Iran’s hand?
As the sun rises above Jerusalem this morning, Israelis will be waking to the news that America has joined their war and attacked Iran. It will be met with mixed feelings.
For the first night in over a week there was no Iranian missile attack on Israel, but while the new day brings a comfort in US military support there will also be deep trepidation that this war has entered a dangerous and potentially uncontrollable phase.
Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement praising the US president and saying peace comes through strength; Donald Trump addressed the American nation and warned Iran he would not hesitate to order further action if it retaliates.
What happens next is largely in Iran’s control. But it is also limited by the options for potential ways Iran could attack the US. What they choose to do, will determine the future of this region.
Iran responds
Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, called the “outrageous” attack by the US “extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour”.
He said Iran was considering “all options” for its response.
Iran launched missiles at Israel this morning, with hits reported in cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The question is now not whether they will respond, but how!
Here are the options for potential ways Iran could attack the US?
The US has carried out attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran, in what Donald Trump called a “spectacular military success”. Iran’s foreign minister says it is considering “all options” for its response.
They could launch attacks on US military bases in the region
– This would be an mid to extreme response, because that would force the United States to fully engage in this war, bad idea
They could bombard Israel with heavy supersonic Ballistic missiles that have the potential to flatten Tel Aviv
– Probably the most likely and the countries would probably let that happen.
They could launch attacks on US warships in the region
– Which would not be a good option and this would end up engaging the US navy who would launch missiles from there positions that could destroy Iran.
They could launch attacks on the United States on American soil
– That would be worst option, as even if the other two don’t this would force a NATO response
The latest news from Iran-Israel conflict
- What happens next? Has the US has forced Iran’s hand? – but there are no good choices
- Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow: What we know about the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities
- “Fordow is gone”: US warplanes strike three nuclear sites in Iran
- Trump delays Iran decision | Paper Talk UK
- European and Iranian diplomats meet for nuclear talks as war escalates
