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U.S. Targets Iran's Military After Khamenei's Assassination

3/9/2026

Center

U.S. Targets Iran

The U.S. campaign against Iran, launched February 28, 2026, aims to dismantle Iran's military capabilities and nuclear ambitions after the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
U.S. President Donald Trump has emphasized unconditional surrender from Iran.
Strikes have hit over 2,000 targets.
Analysts warn that stability may be difficult as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continues to respond aggressively and internal dissent could complicate matters.

Right

U.S. Strikes Iran

The U.S. military campaign against Iran, called Operation Epic Fury, targeted Iran's nuclear and missile infrastructure.
Dr. Andrew Latham warns of a "Regime Change Trap," noting limited gains are possible but regime change could cause extended instability.
He says the United States should focus on neutralizing threats rather than political reconstruction, as this could empower the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and fragment the state.

History

Historical Context

The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003, aimed to overthrow Saddam Hussein, resulting in significant military engagement and a power vacuum that fueled a violent insurgency. The Coalition Provisional Authority, established in April 2003, struggled to stabilize Iraq, leading to sectarian conflict and a humanitarian crisis. This historical context raises concerns about similar outcomes in the current U.S. campaign against Iran.

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U.S. Targets Iran

The U.S. campaign against Iran, launched February 28, 2026, aims to dismantle Iran's military capabilities and nuclear ambitions after the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
U.S. President Donald Trump has emphasized unconditional surrender from Iran.
Strikes have hit over 2,000 targets.
Analysts warn that stability may be difficult as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continues to respond aggressively and internal dissent could complicate matters.

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