The Iran War Began in 1979 and Was Chosen by Iran, So the U.S. Must Not Walk Away
Source: https://www.facebook.com/americanspectator/. "The War Iran Chose: Remembering the Beirut Bombing | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics." October 23, 2026. spectator.org
The Gist
The author argues that Iran has been at war with America since 1979, citing the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and other attacks, so the current fighting is America finally hitting back rather than starting a war. He says quitting now would let Iran rebuild its nuclear program and endanger Israel. He sees calls to end the war as short-sighted politics.
Conclusion
The current U.S. war with Iran is not a 'war of choice' started by the U.S. but a long-running war Iran has waged against America since 1979, so the U.S. should not end it or walk away, since withdrawal would produce defeat and a more dangerous, nuclear-capable Iran.
Premises
- Iran's regime has attacked the U.S. and its allies repeatedly since 1979, including the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, the 1988 Samuel B. Roberts mine strike, the 2000 USS Cole attack, and support for al Qaeda before 9/11, with U.S. intelligence tying the IRGC to several of these.
- Tehran has openly and consistently declared its intention to destroy 'the great Satan' (the U.S.) and 'the little Satan' (Israel).
- Because Iran has been at war with the U.S. for 47 years, the 2025 strikes and the Feb. 28 decapitation strikes were the first time the U.S. fought back, not the start of a new war.
- U.S. pressure through blockade, sanctions, and air and naval operations, together with the weakening of Hezbollah and Hamas, has put the IRGC-controlled regime on the ropes.
- If the U.S. walks away, Iran will rebuild its shattered nuclear program, leaving Israel to choose between using nuclear weapons and facing destruction, and leaving a defeat that outlasts this administration.
- Opposition to the war, such as Senator Warner's pledge to 'end the Iran war,' stems from short-term concerns like gas prices and dislike of Trump rather than strategic understanding.
Assumptions
- A state's past hostile acts and rhetoric mean it is in a continuous state of war with the U.S., so current military action counts as defense rather than choice.
- The IRGC was responsible for the Beirut, Cole, and other attacks, and the evidence is strong enough to justify this attribution.
- Continued military and economic pressure will prevent Iranian nuclearization more effectively than ending the conflict or negotiating.
- Iran will inevitably pursue nuclear weapons and that outcome would be an existential threat justifying war.
- A war that is not 'chosen' by the U.S. is thereby justified, and 'war of choice' criticism is therefore illegitimate.
- Withdrawal is the only alternative to the current strategy; no intermediate or diplomatic path would work.