Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
  • Analysis
    • Policy Papers
    • Symposia
    • Q&A
    • Polls
    • Grand Strategy Explained
    • Target Taiwan
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / US-Israel-Iran / Trump’s Iran war gamble explained
US‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

August 29, 2026

Trump’s Iran war gamble explained

“Trump’s theory of victory, that he attacks Iran, regime changes, and within three days the whole thing is settled, failed that quickly,” said Rosemary Kelanic, the director of the Middle East programme at Defense Priorities.

“Professionals in the U.S. intelligence community knew this was a threat,” Kelanic said.

“The U.S. is still a great military power,” Kelanic explained, adding that it needs an overhaul—that’s largely down to drone warfare.

Read at Channel 4

Featuring

Rosemary
Kelanic

Director, Middle East Program

Defense Priorities

More on Middle East

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Vance says Iran fight isn’t a ‘war’ as Trump tries to navigate unpopular conflict as election nears

Featuring Rosemary Kelanic

September 4, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Europe and Eurasia, Iran, Middle East, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

U.S. Munitions Sent to Ukraine Compared to Iran War as Trump Blames Biden

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

September 4, 2026

In the mediaIran, Middle East, US‑Israel‑Iran

Hurting Everyday Iranians Doesn’t Help American Interests

Featuring Rosemary Kelanic

September 2, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

At 6 months, there is no clear winner in the Iran war

By Daniel DePetris

September 1, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

The Iran war is unsustainable

By Daniel Davis

September 1, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Trump’s “Economic D-Day” is a Huge Flop

By Alexander Langlois

August 31, 2026

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Experts
  • Papers
  • Symposia
  • Q&A
  • Polls
  • Events
  • Media
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Donate
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.