The U.S. and Israel conducted strikes on Iran on February 28. The Iranian rial opened at 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar. The Trump administration announced plans for intensified sanctions, including secondary measures, while Iranian officials disputed U.S. claims of near-total destruction of Iranian military and nuclear assets.
U.S. strikes and sanctions represent coercive warfare that harms Iranian civilians and third countries through inflation and restricted trade.
“Humanitarian costs and dollar weaponization over diplomatic options.”
Conservative
Maximum-pressure sanctions and strikes are required to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions and aggression, with economic indicators showing regime strain.
“Strategic leverage and alliance with Israel over multilateral approaches.”
Libertarian
Strikes and secondary sanctions constitute state aggression against voluntary exchange and individual liberty, extending U.S. coercion extraterritorially.
“Non-aggression principle and opposition to collective punishment.”
Devil's Advocate
All perspectives accept unverified destruction claims and overlook China's central role in Iran's oil trade and sanctions evasion.
“Missing verification and concrete enforcement realities.”