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Assuming the question is: "What are the pro/cons for the United States to go to war with Iran now (2010)?", here are some reasons:

(note that all reasons are from the United State's viewpoint, which by its very nature, is biased. Also note that not all reasons may be sound, and/or work out as well as hoped)

Arguments for the US starting a war:

  • Iran is almost certainly developing nuclear weapons. Allowing Iran to possess nuclear weapons will destabilize the Middle East, and possibly allow nuclear weapons into the hands of terrorists. Invading Iran would prevent Iran from acquiring such weapons.
  • Iran is oppressing its population severely. As evidenced by the repression following the last major election, the Iranian people wish to change their government, but the armed theocratic thugs in charge refuse to relinquish power. A US invasion would topple the current government and allow the Iranian people the ability to freely choose their government.
  • The current government hates the United States. An invasion which led to a change of government would almost certainly lead to one much more friendly towards US views.
  • Iran contains vast oil supplies. Invading Iran (and changing its government) would likely free up most of that oil for use by the United States.
  • Iran is a sponsor of terrorism. An invasion would force them to stop supporting many terrorist organizations.
  • An Iranian government which did not sponsor terrorism and which was at least neutral towards US viewpoints would significantly reduce tensions in the Middle East. In particular, it would likely make solving the Israeli-Palestinian problem simpler.

Reasons against the US starting a war:

  • The current US ground forces are heavily committed in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Starting a wholesale invasion of Iran would be extremely difficult without significant allied support.
  • Allied military support of a US-led invasion of Iran is very unlikely. Particularly for getting additional ground forces.
  • An aerial-only war would be unlikely to win, and likewise would fail to gain most, if not all, US war aims.
  • A US-Iran war would certainly increase anti-US feelings in the world, likely highly increasing terrorist activities. It would also likely greatly complicate US international relations with many countries.
  • Winning a ground campaign in Iran is difficult. The terrain is quite difficult, and Iranian forces are skilled at using civilian cover to limit attacks by US forces.
  • The Iranian population may very well NOT appreciate being invaded, and rather than consider the United States a liberating force, see them as a conquering force, to be fought. This would lead to an extended guerrilla campaign, which would seriously harm many long-term US goals.
  • Costs associated with yet another war are non-trivial, and the US government can ill-afford to pay them.

I'm sure I've missed some.

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15y ago

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Continue Learning about General History

What challenges might Iranian government face in the future?

he is going to put an end on the war and he is going to fight for Iran he might probably help Iran through and he is going to challenge more wars so they can get Iran back ok


Is there going to be a war between Iran and the US?

US will of course.


In the Gulf War some 39 allied nations fought against the nation of?

Iran


Why didn't the US go to war with Iran?

America cannot even defeat a 3rd world country such as Iraqi or Afghanistan. The war with Iraqi and Afghanistan had been devastating to the USA economy. Americas goal was always just to threaten Iran into military action so they would stop developing nuclear weapons but war with Iran is highly unlikely as Iran is a moderate country with a good economy. War with Iran would destroy Americas economy and might even start World War 3. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Think about it this way. Iraqi - 3rd world country (poor country) Afghanistan - 3rd world country (poor country) Iran - Good stable economy If USA is losing a war against Iraqi and Afghanistan then how will they do against Iran? The only way for USA to win the war would be to bombard the country to death and killing hundreds of thousands or even millions of people to win the war but every country would repell against America which even Americas allies would turn sides and fight against America.


Which world leaders were involved in the gulf war?

Saddam Hussan of Iraq against Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran.