Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Samantha Cooper
The prospect of war with Iran should be a scenario the United States avoids at all costs. Engaging in military conflict with Iran offers nothing to gain but everything to lose, particularly if it’s instigated by actions from a foreign ally, no matter how close. The primary focus for the White House should be protecting American lives and ensuring U.S. security, not being drawn into conflicts that do not serve our national interests.
Back in 2020, I published a book titled The Eleventh Hour in 2020 America, warning about the deteriorating state of American foreign policy. I stressed the dangers of getting involved in unnecessary wars that could deeply harm our nation. Now, four years later, we stand on the brink of such a war, potentially minutes away from a catastrophic decision.
Currently, the U.S. is deploying significant military assets to the Middle East, anticipating an Iranian retaliatory strike against Israel. The Israeli government has urged its citizens to prepare for the worst, signaling imminent danger. Meanwhile, Iran is reportedly preparing for an attack.
This looming conflict is a failure of diplomacy and strategic thinking. It could have been resolved without resorting to combat long ago. Yet, Washington and Tel Aviv seem intent on repeating past mistakes. As I noted in my 2020 book, maintaining our current foreign policy stance and refusing to rethink our approach will lead to failure.
The current escalation began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a brutal attack from Gaza, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli casualties. Israel had every right to respond but overstepped by disregarding the laws of warfare. The U.S. rightfully supports Israel but must prioritize its own security and avoid unnecessary wars.
It appears, however, that the U.S. is on autopilot, heading into another Middle Eastern conflict. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned of an imminent Iranian attack, while Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has promised to defend Israel. The Department of Defense has bolstered its forces in the region, ostensibly to deter aggression and de-escalate tensions. However, the recent assassination of a key Hamas negotiator in Tehran, along with the targeting of Hezbollah leaders, has only exacerbated the situation.
The United States should not engage in a war if Israel and Iran come to blows. Israel, supported by extensive U.S. military aid, is fully capable of defending itself. Iran, while possessing significant missile capabilities, is not on par with the IDF and does not pose a direct threat to the United States.
The current tensions arose from Israel’s actions, including the illegal attack on an Iranian embassy compound in April and recent assassinations. These provocative actions are likely to provoke a response from Iran. Israel must be prepared to face the consequences of its actions without expecting U.S. military intervention.
Washington should not be dragged into conflicts that do not align with its national security interests. Engaging in military actions that serve another nation’s objectives, particularly when they provoke further hostilities, is a dangerous path. The U.S. must prioritize its own security and avoid unnecessary entanglements in Middle Eastern conflicts.
We must resist the temptation to choose war. The cost of such a decision could be far greater than we can imagine, not only in terms of lives lost but also in the broader implications for global stability and American security.
