I sat down with Diane Rehm yesterday to discuss the U.S. strike on Iran and the fundamental questions haunting this conflict: Why now? And what’s next?
Here are three take-aways from the interview.
1. A War Driven by Hubris, Not Necessity
While the President cited an “imminent threat,” the reality is that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were already decimated in June 2025. I believe we are seeing the results of dangerous strategic hubris. Having seen the military successfully used in Venezuela and Nigeria, Trump now believes he can use raw power to force political change—ignoring the fact that “deals” made through violence rarely result in lasting stability.
2. The Danger of “Shooting First and Aiming Later”
This is a uniquely “Trumpian” war: launched without a clear diplomatic endgame, without Congressional approval, and without the support of a single ally besides Israel. By bypassing the constitutional process and failing to explain the mission to the American people, the administration has entered a spiral of escalation where the military objectives are vague and the risk of a region-wide conflict is higher than ever.
3. The “Day After” Vacuum
The administration’s plan for the “day after” essentially relies on the hope that the Iranian people will seize power and the IRGC will simply lay down their arms. As I told Diane, the likelihood of this happening is close to zero. Without a realistic political goal, we aren’t just engaging in a strategic strike; we are inviting a period of total chaos that could see US casualties rise and the global economy fracture.
