Unclear Messages: What the U. S. Really Wants From Iran

February 28, 2023

The United States began striking Iranian targets on February 28, a move that surprised many because it came from a president who had campaigned against foreign wars. The campaign was launched without asking Congress for permission and without a clear plan shared with the public. Now, officials must explain why they are fighting and what they hope to achieve.

Conflicting Reasons

Different leaders have given conflicting reasons for the strikes:

• Nuclear Threat: Stop Iran from building nuclear weapons and launching missiles that could reach U.S. allies or even the homeland.
• Regional Influence: Prevent Iran from using its regional influence to threaten shipping lanes or attack American forces.
• Unconditional Surrender: Some statements suggest the U.S. wants Iran to surrender unconditionally and then help rebuild a stronger, more prosperous nation.

Unclear Duration

The length of the conflict is also unclear:

• Short Operation: Early comments promised a short operation lasting only weeks.
• Extended Fighting: Later remarks hint that the U.S. could keep fighting as long as needed to meet its objectives.
• End Conditions:
• Stop when Iran has no more missiles or nuclear programs.
• End once a new Iranian government is in place.

Public Opinion

Public opinion has turned against the action:

• Poll Results: More than half of voters disapprove of how the war is being handled and believe the U.S. should not have entered it at all.
• Social Media Justification: The administration’s attempts to justify the strikes with official statements on social media have not convinced many people.

Criticism and Confusion

Critics argue that the U.S. lacks a coherent strategy:

• Mixed Messages: Repeated changes in wording and focus make it hard for citizens to understand the mission, its duration, or its end.
• Undermining Support: This confusion could undermine support for the operation and create uncertainty about future U.S. policy in the Middle East.