The scale of an Iran campaign could vary significantly depending on Trump’s objectives. Taking out Iran’s missile program would require hitting hundreds of targets across a country more than three times the size of Iraq. Such a campaign could extend for weeks or months, require much more munitions and expose U.S. forces to more intense retaliation, the former defense official said. Iran has expressed a willingness to make a deal, but disagreements remain over Iran maintaining a uranium enrichment capability, among other issues. But opponents say Trump’s open deliberating about regime change and the growing influence of hard-liners in Iran’s military establishment may invite a more lethal response.

Source: Washington Post February 23, 2026 21:16 UTC