Trump’s Tehran Crossroads: War, Alliances, and the Long Game

William Kristol, Andrew Egger, and Jim Swift argue that Trump’s Iran war puts the U.S. at a fork: either sustain a long-term military presence to lock in gains or withdraw and risk destabilizing Europe, Asia, and the Middle East as oil prices rise and allies reassess security commitments; the piece highlights Europe’s energy and strategic vulnerabilities, Japan’s exposure, Gulf States’ doubts, and potential China realignment, while warning that wartime dynamics could be used to tighten domestic control—ultimately, the outcome may hinge on whether the U.S. commits to a protracted ground presence or seeks a weaker, uncertain end to the conflict.