A swift military campaign against Iran might succeed in disabling key infrastructure and toppling leadership, but the real challenge begins the moment the dust settles. History has shown that removing a regime is far easier than rebuilding a nation, and Iran is no exception.
The country’s complex political, religious, and ethnic landscape could quickly spiral into chaos, with rival factions, militias, and regional powers vying for control. A power vacuum in Tehran would likely ignite widespread instability across the Middle East, fueling proxy wars, refugee crises, and the resurgence of extremist groups.
Moreover, U.S. or allied forces could find themselves bogged down in a long-term occupation or forced to manage a fractured, hostile state—draining resources, global credibility, and political will. In short, taking down Iran might be quick; but without a clear, sustainable plan for what comes next, it could open the gates to a far more dangerous and unpredictable future.
