So what's the United States to do, if the Iranians obtain a nuclear bomb and we know the Israelis will then proceed to make very certain Iran's nutcases never use it?
The most potent U.S. military option is the "simultaneous strategic bombing strike." This attack would produce the most hellacious 10 minutes in Iran's long and illustrious history. One eye-popping scenario has aircraft, cruise missiles and perhaps ballistic missiles with conventional warheads delivering at least 2,000 precision blockbuster-sized weapons within that time frame on Iran's two dozen or so "critical nuclear-related targets." The United States may also take control of the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, by eliminating Iranian naval and shore facilities.
Defensive preparations will include the deployment of additional anti-missile missiles in the region. Some planners suspect Iran will try to attack its neighbors. Iraq, with its U.S. troop contingents, may not be the primary target. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait's oil fields and oil transportation facilities are tempting targets for conventional, terrorist or even chemical weapon strikes.
Dangerous? Regrettably so. Iran's genocidal mullahs have chosen a dangerous path. The irony is that such an attack might save Iran from becoming a radioactive wasteland.
I think this ten minute war idea is too hopeful by far; and the idea that passive defenses will cope with an Iranian counter-attack equally hopeful by far.
