Trump Should Continue Iran Campaign Until Regime Change to Avoid Future Conflicts
Source: "Lessons from the Gulf War: Why Trump should not end the Iran campaign early | Fox News." March 3, 2026. www.foxnews.com
The Gist
The author argues Trump shouldn't stop the Iran military operation too early, using the 1991 Gulf War as a cautionary example. He claims that stopping after 100 hours left Saddam in power, leading to more deaths and eventually requiring a second war, so Trump should finish the job completely this time.
Conclusion
President Trump should not end the current military campaign against Iran prematurely, but should continue until a new regime free of theocratic motivations is in place
Premises
- The 1991 Gulf War ended after only 100 hours, leaving Saddam Hussein in power, which led to continued atrocities against Iraqi civilians including the massacre of Marsh Arabs
- The premature end of the first Gulf War necessitated a costly second Iraq War twelve years later, along with expensive no-fly zone enforcement operations
- The extended U.S. military presence required by the incomplete 1991 victory led to additional casualties, including friendly fire incidents and terrorist attacks like Khobar Towers
- Iran's current regime has proven unwilling to abandon its nuclear program, missile development, and terrorism export despite previous military strikes
- The current military operation has achieved tactical surprise and left Iran's regime weakened and defensively compromised
- A premature end to the current campaign will likely necessitate another future conflict, potentially without the current tactical advantages
Assumptions
- Military campaigns should achieve complete strategic objectives rather than limited tactical goals
- Historical precedent from the Gulf War is directly applicable to the current Iran situation
- Regime change in Iran is both feasible and would result in a more peaceful government
- The costs of continuing the current campaign are lower than the costs of future conflicts
- Iran's current weakened state represents an optimal opportunity for decisive action