Will Iran Miscalculate Its Way into a War?

The rapid decimation of Hezbollah, Iran’s best-armed militant group in the ring of terrorist networks that surround Israel, has forced the Islamic Republic’s hand.

“The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel,” a senior White House official informed reporters on Tuesday morning. “We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.”

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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The rapid decimation of Hezbollah, Iran’s best-armed militant group in the ring of terrorist networks that surround Israel, has forced the Islamic Republic’s hand.

“The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel,” a senior White House official informed reporters on Tuesday morning. “We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.”

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.