America’s War of Choice on Iran

The Foreign Affairs Interview explores the implications of the U.S.-Israeli operation in Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the potential paths forward. Nate Swanson, former Iran policy advisor, suggests Khamenei was prepared to be a martyr and Iran has escalated by targeting Gulf neighbors, aiming to change Trump's calculus. Richard Haass, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, notes the action is inconsistent with the administration's previous stance against interventionism and regime change, questioning the overall goals and preparedness. Both experts consider potential outcomes, including a "Venezuela model" of leadership change without systemic reform, and the possibility of re-negotiating a nuclear deal.