# Speculation for and/or Consequences to the US and Elsewhere for Engaging in the Bombing of Iran and Other Targets **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** iran-strikes-2026\ **Created:** [March 4, 2026, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210 "2026-03-04T22:01:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/1 "2026-03-04T22:01:24Z")
If you have thoughts about what the consequences will be to the US and its citizens as a result of our bombings of Iran and other targets, this is the thread for it. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/2 "2026-03-04T22:04:19Z")
Chaos. I think it’s inherently unpredictable, like any war, but even more so considering the complete lack of planning and lack of a coherent explanation, rationalization, and mission. And extra more so because those in charge are idiot malevolent clowns like Hegseth and Trump. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/3 "2026-03-04T22:08:12Z")
Long term, even more entrenched hatred for the US and Israel in the ME and especially Iran, and a greater pressure worldwide for acquiring nuclear weapons as the only deterrent to and increasingly bloodthirsty and treacherous US. Short term? No telling, as said. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/4 "2026-03-04T22:35:28Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > complete lack of planning and lack of a coherent explanation, rationalization, and mission. That’s what’s going to fuck us worse than anything else. I get the impression the plan is basically “twist their arm until they say “Uncle!”” without any actual objectives or goals beyond that. It’s basically bullying on an international stage. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/5 "2026-03-04T22:49:05Z")
The message has been sent that Trump and his associates are willing to kill adversaries, even if they are in the midst of negotiating with them, and this message will be taken seriously. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/6 "2026-03-04T23:27:10Z")
Why I expect everlasting peace, with everyone in the Middle East loving each other as brothers! /s ---
**Author:** ![Pazu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pazu/32/15522_2.png) [@Pazu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pazu)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/7 "2026-03-04T23:34:52Z")
One thing I’m surprised I _haven’t_ heard about is ICE specifically targeting Iranian-Americans for detention and/or deportation. ---
**Author:** ![doomtastic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8c91f0/32.png) [@doomtastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doomtastic)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/8 "2026-03-04T23:35:08Z")
We’ll continue to hemorrhage support and influence with our allies while convincing our enemies that military might and nuclear weapons are the only means of safety. Things will become more dangerous for Americans abroad and the risks of attack on US soil go up considerably. So business as usual I guess. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/9 "2026-03-05T00:10:48Z")
A few weeks ago, pundits were writing as if Trump wanted to divide up the world between himself, the colossus of the Americas (and Greenland), Putin, and Xi. Now we are back to more of an unpredictable Trump who could chicken out one week and lash out anywhere the next. On balance, I think this is bad. Responsible statecraft has to, on average, lead to better outcomes. But I cannot say chaos never works. If Xi, a week ago, was sure Trump would chicken out should China invade Taiwan, now he is probably less sure. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/10 "2026-03-05T00:38:50Z")
I suspect that Trump is going to announce that the mission has been completed in just a few weeks. And Iran’s military capabilities will be largely neutered, along with their top leadership. But the U.S. will not otherwise seek regime change. What I’m not certain about is what will happen elsewhere. It wouldn’t surprise me if Israel announces _their_ intention for regime change in Iran, although I think that occupation of that country is highly unrealistic. There will certainly be blowback against the U.S. But that might not come for some time. Perhaps a terrorist attack should be expected in the next few years. Meanwhile, I’ll tell you who should be upping his security detail. Living in Miami isn’t exactly staying on the down low. > **[Netanyahu's son faces kidnapping threat in Miami while avoiding military duty](https://www.irishstar.com/news/politics/nentanyahus-son-vulnerable-target-kidnapping-36805124.amp)** > > EXCLUSIVE: Benjamin Netanyahu's son, Yair, faces potential kidnapping threats while living in Miami and avoiding Israeli military service, according to a former White House insider ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/11 "2026-03-05T00:49:29Z")
Bringing over from the other thread, I think Kurdish nationalism has always been a potential flashpoint, and would be a potential major outcome of destabilizing Iran would likely be Kurdish uprisings even if we weren’t actively encouraging them. So I’m betting that regional Kurdish-related conflict is now high on the list of likely outcomes. ---
**Author:** ![XOldiesJock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ec9cab/32.png) [@XOldiesJock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XOldiesJock)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/12 "2026-03-05T01:08:48Z")
Armageddon, if we are to believe reports that some of our top military leaders are preaching this to their troops. As for me: More hatred for the USA spreading throughout the Middle East and further alienation from our former allies. Robert Reich, whose opinion I respect greatly, wrote today on Substack that the end result may be nothing less than World War III. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/13 "2026-03-05T02:56:41Z")
> [@XOldiesJock](#): > > Armageddon I googled and found what may be the original source for this: > **[Unit combat readiness briefing and Armageddon](https://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/2026/03/unit-combat-readiness-briefing-and-armageddon/)** > > From: (Active Duty Military NCO and MRFF Client’s email address withheld)Subject: Unit combat readiness briefing and ArmageddonDate: March 2, 2026 at 1:02:53 PM MSTTo: Information Weinstein > > > > Mr. Weinstein thank you for taking my calls and the... Sure sounds like one of the “Consequences to the US for Engaging in the Bombing of Iran.” But, unfortunately, it is not speculation. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/14 "2026-03-05T03:21:53Z")
> [@Pazu](#): > > One thing I’m surprised I _haven’t_ heard about is ICE specifically targeting Iranian-Americans for detention and/or deportation. The whole ICE deal is a numbers game, and I don’t think there are enough Iranian-Americans to make a splash. One consequence I haven’t seen mentioned is a rise in gas prices. Heading into Spring. Will it still be high for Summer? Because that’s key vacation/travel time, and folks will _not_ be happy. And I’m pretty sure that OPEC will keep those prices up a while because it’s a great excuse for it. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/15 "2026-03-05T03:51:06Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > There will certainly be blowback against the U.S. But that might not come for some time. Perhaps a terrorist attack should be expected in the next few years. The U.S. is and has been storing up enemies, abroad and at home. These events will add materially to that store of hatred and vowed revenge. Things may calm down, U.S. foreign policy may one day revert to a more reasonable level, but it will be too little and too late. I have no idea when, but when that stored-up hatred and revenge bursts out it will be beyond our worst fears. I hope I’m dead before that happens. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/16 "2026-03-05T04:37:04Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > One consequence I haven’t seen mentioned is a rise in gas prices. Heading into Spring. Will it still be high for Summer? Because that’s key vacation/travel time, and folks will _not_ be happy. And I’m pretty sure that OPEC will keep those prices up a while because it’s a great excuse for it. Current (started 02MAR2026) thread: > [@What happens politically if gas prices go through the roof?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-politically-if-gas-prices-go-through-the-roof/1028133): > > I mean, Trump ran on keeping prices in general low, and I think MAGA is particularly sensitive to gas prices. Will gas at 5 bucks a gallon, or even higher, cause many of even them to abandon support for him? Is there any price at which they’ll come around to “I didn’t vote for THIS”? ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/17 "2026-03-05T04:48:06Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > But I cannot say chaos never works. If Xi, a week ago, was sure Trump would chicken out should China invade Taiwan, now he is probably less sure. Or Xi could consider the US cannot divert materiel and personnel away from this latest adventure. > [@Moriarty](#): > > I suspect that Trump is going to announce that the mission has been completed in just a few weeks. And Iran’s military capabilities will be largely neutered, along with their top leadership. But the U.S. will not otherwise seek regime change. I don’t think Trump has a choice. He _must_ announce no later than the fifth week that the mission is complete and succeeded like nobody’s ever seen before. Granted a goodly chunk of the MAGA crowd will still support him no matterwhat, but if he doesn’t announce this in that timeframe, he’s going to lose a lot of support _and so will the other Republicans in office_. Iran experiencing a regime change is something which I honestly don’t foresee. First off, Iran’s not Iraq. Hussein was not an actual legitimate leader. He didn’t have any real plans for his successor to be chosen. Next, the Shah basically relied on being king and that meant his on after him would be king. The country’s government under him was not a constitutional monarchy in practice since he obviously didn’t care a whit about any constitution. Iran, after the revolution, ended up with a civilian democratic government overseen by a theocracy (an interesting mix of governmental types). The architects of that carefully crafted a constitution to create that. And then they also created a special military branch to enforce it. The only changes I foresee in Iran’s goverment is the people holding whichever governmental or theocratic offices there are. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/18 "2026-03-05T11:01:17Z")
Shipping through the straits of Hormuz is going to be a huge wild card. It’s not just about direct danger (missiles, mines, etc.), it’s about insurance and finance and all the complexities that come with greatly increased risk and uncertainty. Trump can’t just hand wave this away, and it’s crystal clear they didn’t plan for this obvious consequence. More here: [https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/risk-oil-tankers-and-a-scrambling-white-house](https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/risk-oil-tankers-and-a-scrambling-white-house) ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/19 "2026-03-05T11:51:43Z")
> [@bump](#): > > I get the impression the plan is basically “twist their arm until they say “Uncle!””… A one-armed running man can cut four thousand throats in one night. ---
**Author:** ![Pazu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pazu/32/15522_2.png) [@Pazu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pazu)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/20 "2026-03-05T15:20:36Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > The whole ICE deal is a numbers game, and I don’t think there are enough Iranian-Americans to make a splash. It’s probably a regional thing; there are a lot of Iranian-Americans in California. But I recently learned that that’s where the vast majority of said population is located, apparently. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210.md?page=2)