Stop pretending the Iran war wasn’t necessary

Few presidents would choose to initiate a major war nine months before a high-stakes midterm election, one already shaping up to be difficult for their party. President Donald Trump could have waited for a more politically convenient moment to strike Iran, as most presidents would have. But at what cost to American national security, or to global stability? 

For nearly half a century, every U.S. president has been acutely aware that the Iranian regime would ultimately have to be confronted. Yet until Trump, none acted. Aware of the scale of the challenge — and the political capital it would demand — each administration chose delay over decision, kicking the can further down the road.

By the time Trump faced the choice, there was scarcely any road left. Iran stood on the threshold of a nuclear weapon, and waiting until after the midterm elections would likely have meant accepting a nuclear-armed regime.