# 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:** 4
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2026, 3:49am 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/1028210/61 "2026-03-11T03:49:47Z")
No, terrorism is any politically motivated act of violence, in this case, revenge against America, which manifests as any kind of violence against Americans. It’s a very simple scenario. Trump: I have shown you my awesome power. You will no longer dare to defy me. All your base are belong to us. Iran: Hold my beer. The only unfortunate thing is that by the time Iran asks someone to hold their beer, Trump will be out, a Democrat may be president, and guess who Republicans will blame for the terrorism? ---
**Author:** ![Tatterdemalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/43a26b/32.png) [@Tatterdemalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tatterdemalion)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 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/1028210/62 "2026-03-11T03:51:30Z")
This is _Iran_, surely it will be coffee or tea they hold not beer. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2026, 4:10am 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/1028210/63 "2026-03-11T04:10:07Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > That doesn’t sound like terrorism. Sinking a cruise ship full of Americans on the high seas, now that’s terrorism. You feel the 9-11 attack on the Pentagon wasn’t a terrorist attack? ---
**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 11, 2026, 7:40am 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/1028210/64 "2026-03-11T07:40:29Z")
It was at the time, we weren’t in a war and Al Qaida wasn’t a sovereign state. A similar attack by Iran would simply be an act of war. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2026, 11:18pm 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/1028210/65 "2026-03-11T23:18:55Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > As [the U.S.-Israel war with Iran](https://www.usatoday.com/live-story/news/world/2026/03/09/iran-united-states-war-live-updates/89055802007/) rattles global energy markets, President [Donald Trump](https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/donald-trump/) said that rising oil prices are a “small price to pay,” and suggested that people concerned about them are “fools.” And he’s not wrong about that. It is exactly those fools who elected Trump as president. ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 12:30am 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/1028210/66 "2026-03-12T00:30:25Z")
Well, apart from the Epstein files, and draining the swamp, he’s doing most of what they want him to do … just they didn’t realise there would be adverse consequences for themselves from all that winning. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 3:12am 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/1028210/67 "2026-03-12T03:12:48Z")
The fact that Iran is lashing out and attacking other neighbors randomly is making sure no one likes them anyway. This might not recoil too badly on us. But if trump is waiting for Iran to surrender, we are shit out of luck. ---
**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 12, 2026, 5:22am 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/1028210/68 "2026-03-12T05:22:42Z")
Here are a couple of announced consequences for the war. First, [Iran tells the world to prepare for $200bbl](https://www.aol.com/articles/combatants-mideast-war-trade-more-033513010.html). > [@](#): > > DUBAI/TEL AVIV, March 11 (Reuters) - Iran said the world should be ready for oil at $200 a barrel as its forces hit merchant ships on Wednesday and the International Energy Agency recommended a massive release of strategic reserves to dampen one of the worst oil shocks since the 1970s. > > The war unleashed with joint U.S. and Israeli air strikes nearly two weeks ago has so far killed around 2,000 ‌people, mostly Iranians and Lebanese, as it has spread into Lebanon and thrown global energy markets and transport into chaos. Second, [FBI warns about retaliation attacks in California](https://www.aol.com/articles/trump-says-not-worried-iran-180857003.html). > [@](#): > > WASHINGTON, March 11 (Reuters) - The FBI warned law enforcement agencies last month of the possibility that Tehran might try to retaliate for any U.S. strikes on Iran by launching surprise drone attacks in California, according ‌to a security bulletin seen by Reuters. > > The confidential alert, issued by the FBI through the multi-agency Los Angeles Joint Regional Intelligence Center, ‌surfaced publicly on Wednesday as the war that began on February 28 with massive U.S. and Israeli bombardments of Iran stretched into its 12th day. ---
**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 12, 2026, 5:25am 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/1028210/69 "2026-03-12T05:25:07Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > Second, [FBI warns about retaliation attacks in California](https://www.aol.com/articles/trump-says-not-worried-iran-180857003.html). Trump will be so torn. He won’t know whether to retaliate or to thank them. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 8:23am 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/1028210/70 "2026-03-12T08:23:30Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Trump will be so torn. He won’t know whether to retaliate or to thank them. I think that’s just about Kash Patel having a little fun trolling a blue state. Familiar playbook: blue state gets angry, red states chuckle because they’re not affected. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 9:37am 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/1028210/71 "2026-03-12T09:37:35Z")
One consequence that seems likely is the potential fracturing and disintegration of Iraq. Iran has always specialized in sowing chaos there. This morning there are (unconfirmed) reports that the US is having trouble evacuating staff from the Baghdad embassy. Could be a fun little three-body problem with Iraq, Iran, and the Kurds. It’s a gaping wound that’s ripe to be infected by factions similar to ISIS or Mahdi Army. No doubt Turkey will be watching with great interest. ---
**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 12, 2026, 11:53am 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/1028210/72 "2026-03-12T11:53:23Z")
> **[Food prices could rise as Iran conflict disrupts fertilizer supply chain](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/11/iran-news-food-prices-could-rise-due-to-fertilizer-shortages.html)** > > The Iran conflict is disrupting fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, raising supply concerns and potentially increasing global food inflation. New consequence - more rising food prices. Maybe don’t start a war with idiots in charge and no coherent mission or long term plan? ---
**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 12, 2026, 2:47pm 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/1028210/73 "2026-03-12T14:47:50Z")
Iran is predicting that oil will go to $200 a barrel. > **[Iran: Get ready for $200-per-barrel oil](https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5779017-iran-get-ready-for-200-per-barrel-oil/amp/)** > > Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (IRGC) on Wednesday warned the world to expect oil to reach $200 per barrel as the main pathway for exported oil, the Strait of Hormuz, stays closed … Before this war, the price was in the $60 range, and its in the $90s now (although it just spiked to over $100) > **[Oil went over $100 again after the U.S. admitted it cannot control the Strait...](https://fortune.com/2026/03/12/oil-price-100-barrel-the-strait-of-hormuz/)** > > Oil is trading like a meme stock, some analysts say. ---
**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 12, 2026, 3:05pm 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/1028210/74 "2026-03-12T15:05:07Z")
Today (or late yesterday?) the FBI apparently warned California authorities about the likelihood of some sort of Iran-sponsored attack on California, possibly drones from offshore, or from clandestine sources within the state (i.e. sleeper cells or moles). I think the likelihood of this happening is actually low, but I wouldn’t be surprised if DoD or other federal vigilance was less than stellar when the target is their favorite enemy blue state. ---
**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 12, 2026, 3:36pm 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/1028210/75 "2026-03-12T15:36:35Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > Second, [FBI warns about retaliation attacks in California](https://www.aol.com/articles/trump-says-not-worried-iran-180857003.html). Note that the FBI could not be specific, and Gavin Newsome doesn’t seem all that concerned. > **[California governor says no imminent threat despite warning about possible...](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/fbi-gavin-newsom-iran-sacramento-california-b2937324.html)** > > California Gov. Gavin Newsom says there's no imminent threat to the state from Iran And NBC news has multiple law enforcement sources saying that there isn’t anything to the FBI’s warning. > **[Reports of Iran drone threats against California 'not credible,' but...](https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/iran-drone-threat-california/4050339/)** > > There were no specific threats of Iranian drone attacks being planned against California, five law enforcement sources familiar with the reports told NBC News Wednesday, following other media reports that Iran sought to bombard California with drones... And apparently, this is not new, but was sent weeks ago, and it seems like it wasn’t anything more than “preparing for a worst case scenario” rather than an actual threat. > The information about a drone attack scenario was attributed to an FBI bulletin sent to law enforcement in late February for awareness, a source told NBC News. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 4:30pm 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/1028210/76 "2026-03-12T16:30:47Z")
I think we need to be aware that as the FBI is now run by children, it’s possible that this “warning” was simply Patel trolling a blue state. ---
**Author:** ![Ancient\_Nerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed655f/32.png) [@Ancient\_Nerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ancient_Nerd)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 6:57pm 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/1028210/77 "2026-03-12T18:57:54Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > some sort of Iran-sponsored attack on California, possibly drones from offshore It seems like a boat big enough to launch one of those things coming all the way from Iran would be pretty easy to spot. ---
**Author:** ![Ancient\_Nerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed655f/32.png) [@Ancient\_Nerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ancient_Nerd)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2026, 7:13pm 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/1028210/78 "2026-03-12T19:13:16Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > it’s possible that this “warning” was simply Patel trolling a blue state. > “They wrote this based on one email that was sent to local law enforcement in California about a single, unverified tip,” Leavitt wrote, calling for the story to be retracted. Given the credibility of people working for el donald, maybe there is more to it. We should assume the opposite of anything they say. /s ---
**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 12, 2026, 8:17pm 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/1028210/79 "2026-03-12T20:17:46Z")
How big is a drone that can drop some kind of bomb? How big would a boat that could launch some of those have to be? ---
**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 12, 2026, 8:38pm 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/1028210/80 "2026-03-12T20:38:36Z")
To avoid a hijack, I spun off an answer into a new thread. > [@How large would be a drone that can drop a bomb, and what kind of boat could it launch from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-large-would-be-a-drone-that-can-drop-a-bomb-and-what-kind-of-boat-could-it-launch-from/1028407): > > Continuing the discussion from [Speculation for Consequences to the US for Engaging in the Bombing of Iran and Other Targets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-consequences-to-the-us-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/79): I’m concerned that this is getting much too far from the topic this was posted in, as this doesn’t really have anything to do with the discussion about consequences to the US for bombing Iran. But I still think it’s worth an answer, and maybe a larger discussion, so I thought it best to spin off a new thread. Here is a web page talking about what size of a drone can ca… [Previous 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=3) [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=5)