What Is a ‘Short, Intense’ Campaign Against Iran Supposed to Achieve?

As I wrote yesterday, Iranian recalcitrance at the negotiating table is not helping America’s establish the conditions for a “deal” that lets America save face in retreat. Indeed, the U.S. side’s hunger for a deal may be hardening the Iranian position.

For his part, has recently backed away from his intention to pursue what the Wall Street Journal described as a “short, intense” campaign after the midterms, although he may just be talking down global energy markets. Still, despite the extensive reporting around preparations for a new phase of combat operations over the skies of Iran, it is not clear what that campaign would be designed to achieve.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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As I wrote yesterday, Iranian recalcitrance at the negotiating table is not helping America’s establish the conditions for a “deal” that lets America save face in retreat. Indeed, the U.S. side’s hunger for a deal may be hardening the Iranian position.

For his part, has recently backed away from his intention to pursue what the Wall Street Journal described as a “short, intense” campaign after the midterms, although he may just be talking down global energy markets. Still, despite the extensive reporting around preparations for a new phase of combat operations over the skies of Iran, it is not clear what that campaign would be designed to achieve.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.