Even Narrow U.S. War Aims in Iran Will Be Hard to Achieve
Foreign Policy
by Daniel BymanFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, with more air assets deployed than at any point since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. However, despite this buildup, the Trump administration's strategy toward Iran remains unclear and lacks a coherent long-term vision. While President Donald Trump has mentioned various objectives, including supporting Iranian protesters, imposing limited regime change, halting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, or coercing Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, these goals are either overly ambitious or impractical. The lack of clarity in U.S. strategy complicates efforts to achieve even the more attainable aims.
One of the most ambitious objectives is regime change in Iran, with Trump openly supporting Iranian protesters and advocating for a popular government. This approach would require dismantling the clerical leadership, including figures like Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and replacing it with leaders willing to align with U.S. interests. However, such an outcome is highly uncertain, as Iran’s political structure is deeply entrenched, and past attempts at regime change have failed to produce lasting results. Another less ambitious goal could involve targeting key figures similar to Venezuela's Maduro model, though identifying a viable Iranian equivalent remains unclear.
The United States has also focused on halting Iran’s nuclear program through military strikes and diplomatic pressure. While previous operations have slowed but not halted Iran’s progress, Trump continues to demand the complete cessation of enrichment and missile activities. This approach is challenging because it requires sustained international cooperation and may escalate tensions further. The administration's lack of a clear strategy leaves room for ambiguity, making it difficult to secure widespread support from allies or achieve lasting concessions from
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/26/2026