# 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:** 7
**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 13, 2026, 2:26pm 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/1028210/121 "2026-03-13T14:26:34Z")
ISTM that’s the real _Milkhemet Mitzvah_. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:28pm 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/1028210/122 "2026-03-13T14:28:52Z")
> [@Frodo](#): > > If the regime survives the war, why would it be a “failed” war? “they attacked us, we survived, they wanted to determine our form of government, they failed” does not look like a “failed war” result. That’s up to the Iranian people to decide. If they buy their government’s propaganda, then yes, maybe. Survival is such a low bar that it’s virtually impossible not to pass it. But if they realize that their government is weak, that it wasted billions of dollars on useless missiles and defenses while their country starved, that they can’t prevent their enemies from bombing them at will, then maybe something can change. Revolutions succeed when the people think their oppressive government is weak. If the government presented itself as the underdog from the start, then maybe survival will be accepted as a sign of strength. I’m not sure the Iranians thought of themselves that way, though. I think they were convinced they were a powerful country, and now they know they aren’t. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:31pm 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/1028210/123 "2026-03-13T14:31:28Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Revolutions succeed when the people think their oppressive government is weak. If the government presented itself as the underdog from the start, then maybe survival will be accepted as a sign of strength. I’m not sure the Iranians thought of themselves that way, though. I think they were convinced they were a powerful country, and now they know they aren’t. If they don’t see themselves as the underdog when fighting the only global superpower I don’t see how could they ever. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:31pm 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/1028210/124 "2026-03-13T14:31:44Z")
> [@Frodo](#): > > I think the most probable result is that at some point in the next two months or so Trump declares victory and stops military operations, a bit later Iran, needing the money, stops closing the Straits. I think this is most likely. Trump has proven his consistent SoP is to unnecessarily break something - at great expense and for no clear purpose. And then eventually lose interest and do the same damned thing someplace else. Only accomplishments are to cause pain to those he dislikes, and enrich himself and his cronies in the process. Go USA! ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:34pm 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/1028210/125 "2026-03-13T14:34:06Z")
> [@Frodo](#): > > If they don’t see themselves as the underdog when fighting the only global superpower I don’t see how could they ever. Possibly. They may also realize that their own government got them into this mess and gained absolutely nothing from it - that everything their country has done has only made their lives more miserable. I don’t know. I have faith that the Iranian people will do the smart thing. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:34pm 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/1028210/126 "2026-03-13T14:34:58Z")
Another gift link to an article on the possible consequences of this war, this time, from the Atlantic. Again, they predict that Russia and China are the winners. > **[‘We Would Be Entering a Completely Different World’](https://www.theatlantic.com/economy/2026/03/oil-price-200-barrel/686354/?gift=G6HF8s4IM7cLjZQdCxzpYLwRVToTay6H8oy9-o7wIpY&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share)** > > What happens if oil hits $200 a barrel? ---
**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 13, 2026, 2:35pm 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/1028210/127 "2026-03-13T14:35:43Z")
But this war may have made it harder, not easier, for the Iranian people to change their government. We bombed a school. There are probably many other such atrocities we’re not yet aware of. This is what happens when idiots lead a war. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:37pm 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/1028210/128 "2026-03-13T14:37:28Z")
That’s a completely separate matter than your previous “revolutions happen after failed wars” theory. The war may, far from demonstrating to them that they government spending priorities are misguided, prove to them that their government was right when it said that the U.S. and Israel were evil and out to get them. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:38pm 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/1028210/129 "2026-03-13T14:38:39Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > But this war may have made it harder, not easier, for the Iranian people to change their government. We bombed a school. A school was bombed, and their government failed to prevent it. Or do you think that they won’t rebel against a government they hate because they’re angry about the United States? Not everything is about you, you know. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:41pm 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/1028210/130 "2026-03-13T14:41:11Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > A school was bombed, and their government failed to prevent it. When the WTC was destroyed in 9/11 the U.S. government failed to prevent it, did you notice any anger against the government from the U.S. citizenry? or were they angry with Al Qaeda, Islam, any and all middle eastern government and the like?. Why do you think Iranians are different? ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 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/1028210/131 "2026-03-13T14:47:12Z")
9/11 was a surprise attack, using a very novel method. The American people didn’t see it coming, so for better or for worse, they didn’t blame their government for not seeing it coming. _Everyone_ saw the U.S.-Israeli attack coming. > [@Frodo](#): > > The war may, far from demonstrating to them that they government spending priorities are misguided, prove to them that their government was right when it said that the U.S. and Israel were evil and out to get them. Israel and America got them, and they could do nothing about it. That makes them weak. If the Chinese started bombing California and the U.S. military couldn’t shoot down a single plane, wouldn’t Americans blame their own govenment? ---
**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 13, 2026, 2:48pm 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/1028210/132 "2026-03-13T14:48:49Z")
Yes, but more than that, we’d demand immediate and overwhelming military response. Like the Israeli public after Oct 7th. And as much as you blamed Netanyahu and his government, it didn’t bring him down, did it? ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:50pm 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/1028210/133 "2026-03-13T14:50:26Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > And as much as you blamed Netanyahu and his government, it didn’t bring him down, did it? There hasn’t been an election yet. ---
**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 13, 2026, 2:51pm 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/1028210/134 "2026-03-13T14:51:10Z")
What makes you think there will be an election, or especially a meaningful election, in Iran in the medium term (maybe even the long term) after this war? ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:51pm 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/1028210/135 "2026-03-13T14:51:36Z")
Look, I may be wrong about everything. I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I don’t think you do, either. The best we can do is wait and see. ---
**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 13, 2026, 2:52pm 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/1028210/136 "2026-03-13T14:52:07Z")
Betting that idiots in charge with no mission and no plan will screw up this war seems like a wiser bet than a positive long-term outcome. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2026, 2:59pm 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/1028210/137 "2026-03-13T14:59:01Z")
You may be right, but on the other hand I think you may be applying first-world, militarily-powerful nation thinking to Iranians. Poor nation citizens do not assume they can beat attacks from Israel AND the U.S. at the same time and get angry when their government fails to do so. They get angry with the attackers for taking advantage of them. The argument that the attackers demands to influence Iran internal and foreign policies were not met and thus the attack was inevitable may not prove very convincing, specially in the emotionally charged aftermath of devastating bombings. ---
**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 13, 2026, 2:59pm 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/1028210/138 "2026-03-13T14:59:26Z")
I’m wondering what the total cost of this war is going to end up being for the US alone. The human cost in lives - hopefully not more than we’ve seen to date. The cost in ordinance, troop costs, replacement hardware costs, etc. Not to mention the cost to the rest of the world for stuff blown up, and the increased cost in oil prices - that’s got to amount to trillions of dollars once all is said and done. Stupid, stupid, stupid. ---
**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 13, 2026, 3:19pm 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/1028210/139 "2026-03-13T15:19:12Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Israel and America got them, and they could do nothing about it. That makes them weak. > > If the Chinese started bombing California and the U.S. military couldn’t shoot down a single plane, wouldn’t Americans blame their own govenment? Only if it did nothing to strike back. The Iranian government _is_ doing things to strike back. When a vastly more powerful nation attacks another because its mad king decides he wants to, very few people are going to blame their nation for being unable to defeat a nation that totally outmatches them. Doing whatever it can to make their enemy bleed while the madman’s army runs amuck killing at random, that’s what they want. And that’s what the Iranian government is doing. _Refusing_ to strike back would be far more likely to bring the regime down than almost anything else. ---
**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 13, 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/1028210/140 "2026-03-13T15:20:30Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > The best we can do is wait and see. We can also advocate that a war run by idiots with no mission and no plan should cease. [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=6) [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=8)