[infecto]

I have mixed feelings about the current state but is that a legitimate question. I imagine Iran would fire once on the US and then all heck would reign down on them from the skies. I don’t see a situation where Iran can hold on. Most of the people do not support the government.

[dreghgh]

What if they hit US bases using 'plausibly deniable' cutouts?

The Glorious Revolutionary Militia of country X, using Iranian built and supplied drones or missiles, blows up young American soldiers in a country half the electorate didn't even know there was a presence in. Iran disclaims all involvement, but says they sympathise with the legitimate frustration of the locals. Do you think the United States gets involved in a hot war against Iran based on that?

Remember the Beirut truck bombings. The biggest single day US Marine loss of life since Iwo Jima. Reagan (and Mitterand) immediately says there will be no withdrawal. They shoot a lot of artillery in the general direction of Hezbollah from a boat, then immediately withdraw all troops.

[gcanyon]

> Most of the people do not support the government.

You're implying that a foreign power bombing Iran would make the people less likely to support their government. Do you have justification for that?

[GlacierFox]

Iranian people hate the Ayatollahs. They execute any opposition. The populace is literally dying for change.

[swat535]

Yes, they do but they love IRAN even more. Defending the country against hostile forces is going to be their priority.

[GlacierFox]

Which hostile forces? The US has attacked nuclear sites which they're using to build Nuclear bombs, not sent a warhead into Tehran. I think you're underestimating the dissatisfaction of the Iranian people people with the death cult in charge.

[karmakurtisaani]

What would happen to American patriotism if China "pre-emptively" attacked its military research facilities? It would be the only thing on the news, and the only thing people would want would be revenge.

[GlacierFox]

Yeah but the difference is that America isn't a fundamentalist theocratic death cult hell bent on eradicating an entire religion and anyone associated with it. There's a stark difference there isn't there? Or are you trying to put Iran and America on the same plane?

[bigyabai]

How about you Google SAVAK and then get back to me on how receptive you think Iranian citizens are of American "guidance" under "democratic leadership" and all that jazz.

I think you're underestimating how many Iranians the CIA allowed to be tortured and raped in the Shahist regime. Agree to disagree?

[GlacierFox]

So they're more concerned about something that was dissolved in 1979 more than the backward theocratic death cult in charge today? aGrEe tO dIsAgReE?

[spwa4]

[flagged]

[yibg]

Being attacked boosts domestic support for leadership, even unpopular ones. If Iran actually attacked the US some how, you can bet Trump's approval rating goes up.

[infecto]

Definitely increases the fervor of the hardliners. Do I have a current pole for a good sample of folks in the country l? No. But have a pretty large number of friends who Iranian and also have been there a couple times. Most of the population do not like the government.

[bitmasher9]

The power delta between The United Stated and Iran is lower than any of our other engagements since WW2, and look at how many resources were spent for questionable outcomes.

[infecto]

I can see this being true but I would be surprised this would ever be a boots on the ground situation for America. Don’t get me wrong, I have mixed feelings of the current state but I also don’t see how Iran would be able to hold any kind of air superiority. They are already being down by the tiny country of Israel.