Fool Me Twice: The Case for War With Iran Is Even Thinner Than It Was for Iraq

The article argues that the justification for a potential war with Iran under Donald Trump is even less credible than the rationale for the 2003 Iraq War. It highlights how Trump's recent State of the Union address and subsequent statements presented highly questionable claims about Iran's military capabilities and human rights abuses, echoing but exceeding the dubious intelligence used against Iraq. The piece details a concerted effort by the Trump administration and Israeli interests to manufacture a casus belli, shifting from ballistic missile threats to supporting Iranian protesters. This manufactured narrative, despite its inconsistencies and lack of clear objectives, has culminated in recent U.S. and Israeli strikes, aiming for regime change through aerial bombardment and a populist uprising. The situation suggests a dangerous escalation based on flimsy pretexts, raising concerns about the potential consequences and lack of a coherent post-conflict plan.