The Week: Trump’s Muddled Iran Messaging

• The Iranian regime’s two specialties: stoning gays and closing straits.

• What is America’s objective in this war with Iran? When he announced the launch of a major military operation, President Donald Trump said to the people of Iran, “When we are finished, take over your government.” He continued: “For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight.” That sets the bar at regime change. The president mentioned other objectives, including the destruction of the Islamic Republic’s missile industry, navy, and ability to export terrorism globally. It appears that the U.S. and Israel have achieved a great deal on those fronts. But if the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remains in power at the end of this conflict, then America and its allies will be forced to live with the lingering threat of a wounded animal, itching for revenge. If something short of regime change—or, as Trump later demanded, “unconditional surrender”—is an acceptable outcome, then the president should have said so. If not, the president needs to make that clear and prepare the American people for a longer and likely much more difficult war.

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• The Iranian regime’s two specialties: stoning gays and closing straits.

• What is America’s objective in this war with Iran? When he announced the launch of a major military operation, President Donald Trump said to the people of Iran, “When we are finished, take over your government.” He continued: “For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight.” That sets the bar at regime change. The president mentioned other objectives, including the destruction of the Islamic Republic’s missile industry, navy, and ability to export terrorism globally. It appears that the U.S. and Israel have achieved a great deal on those fronts. But if the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remains in power at the end of this conflict, then America and its allies will be forced to live with the lingering threat of a wounded animal, itching for revenge. If something short of regime change—or, as Trump later demanded, “unconditional surrender”—is an acceptable outcome, then the president should have said so. If not, the president needs to make that clear and prepare the American people for a longer and likely much more difficult war.