As Trump Weighs Iran Strikes, He Declines to Make Clear Case for Why
NYT Homepage
by David E. SangerFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article highlights President Trump's decision to prepare for potential military strikes on Iran without providing a clear justification or rationale. Unlike former President George W. Bush, who made a concerted effort to build public support for the Iraq invasion by emphasizing the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime, Trump has offered little explanation for why another major attack on Iran is necessary. While Trump and his aides have cited various reasons, such as protecting protesters, destroying missile arsenals, or ending Tehran's support for terrorist groups, these justifications appear inconsistent and unsupported.
The article draws a parallel between the current situation and the lead-up to the Iraq War, noting that both instances involve significant military actions based on questionable intelligence. In 2002, Bush traveled across the country to make the case for war, comparing the urgency of the moment to the Cuban Missile Crisis. However, his arguments turned out to be largely unfounded, and the invasion is now widely regarded as a major strategic error. Similarly, Trump's approach seems to lack clarity and coherence, raising concerns about the potential consequences of another strike on Iran.
The article emphasizes the rarity of such a major act of war being prepared for with so little public debate or explanation. This lack of transparency not only undermines the credibility of Trump's decision-making but also raises questions about the long-term implications of further military action in the region. The situation is particularly significant because it involves one
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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026