Published on: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:56:57 GMT
Original Story: When could Trump decide to strike Iran? These are the four most likely options – analysis – The Jerusalem Post

Oil Prices Go Up, Trump’s Approval…Down?

Oh, joy. Another international crisis brewing. This time, it involves Trump, Iran, and the ever-volatile price of oil. As if our wallets weren’t already weeping from inflation, we now get to contemplate the delightful prospect of a Middle East conflict spiking gas prices higher than my student loan interest. The Jerusalem Post, bless their hearts, has helpfully outlined the four most likely options for Trump striking Iran. Because, you know, subtlety is so overrated.

Trump’s “Art of the Deal” vs. Reality: Iran Edition

Let’s rewind to 2015, shall we? Remember the Iran nuclear deal? The one Obama painstakingly negotiated and Trump gleefully ripped to shreds in 2018 because… well, because Obama did it. The official reason was always that it was a “terrible deal” that didn’t go far enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Now, here we are, potentially on the brink of military action, all because Trump thought he could strong-arm Iran into a “better” deal. How’s that working out for ya, Don?

Fast forward to today, and we’re staring down the barrel of potential military intervention. The Jerusalem Post’s analysis lays out the scenarios, each more terrifying than the last. We’re talking targeted strikes, full-scale war, and everything in between. And guess who gets to foot the bill? You guessed it: the American taxpayer. While Trump is busy golfing and posting on Truth Social, we’re potentially funding another forever war. Yay, capitalism!

Option 1: Limited Strikes on Nuclear Facilities

This is the “surgical” option, designed to cripple Iran’s nuclear program without, you know, causing too much of a fuss. The problem? Iran’s nuclear program is scattered like glitter at a toddler’s birthday party. Good luck hitting everything without collateral damage. Also, expect retaliation. Iran isn’t exactly known for turning the other cheek.

Option 2: Airstrikes on Iranian Military Assets in Syria and Iraq

So, instead of directly attacking Iran, we attack their proxies. This is like yelling at your neighbor’s dog instead of talking to your neighbor. It might make you feel better for a minute, but it doesn’t solve the underlying problem. Plus, it risks escalating the conflict and drawing in other players, like Russia and, potentially, China. Because what this situation really needs is more global superpowers getting involved.

Option 3: Naval Blockade and Economic Strangulation

Ah, the economic option. Let’s just squeeze Iran until they scream uncle. This is Trump’s favorite tactic, because it allows him to look tough without actually getting his hands dirty. The downside? It hurts the Iranian people, which, in turn, makes them even more resentful of the U.S. It also risks disrupting global oil supplies, which, as we all know, will lead to higher gas prices and an even more miserable existence for those of us struggling to make ends meet. Thanks, Don!

Option 4: Full-Scale Invasion

Because what could possibly go wrong? Let’s just invade Iran, topple the government, and install a new regime. It worked so well in Iraq, right? (Spoiler alert: it didn’t.) This option is so insane that it’s almost laughable. But then again, this is Trump we’re talking about, so anything is possible. Prepare for another decade (or two) of nation-building, countless lives lost, and trillions of dollars wasted. All in the name of “making America great again.”

The Economic Fallout: Buckle Up, Buttercup

Regardless of which option Trump chooses, the economic consequences are going to be severe. Oil prices will spike, inflation will worsen, and the stock market will likely take a nosedive. Remember all those gains you made during the Trump presidency? Kiss them goodbye. The Tariff Tracker is going to be working overtime, tracking the ripple effects of this potential conflict. We’re talking about supply chain disruptions, increased shipping costs, and higher prices for everything from gasoline to groceries. The American consumer is about to get royally screwed. Again.

And let’s not forget the political ramifications. A military strike on Iran would almost certainly galvanize the country’s hardliners and make it even more difficult to negotiate a new nuclear deal. It would also alienate our allies and further isolate the U.S. on the world stage. But hey, who needs allies when you have Twitter… err, Truth Social?

The Disconnect: “Peace Through Strength” or Just Plain Reckless?

Trump always talked about “peace through strength.” But his actions often seem to contradict that. Ripping up the Iran nuclear deal, threatening military action, and engaging in reckless rhetoric are not exactly the hallmarks of a peacemaker. They’re the hallmarks of someone who’s more interested in flexing his muscles than in finding real solutions. The only consistency here is inconsistency. In 2016, Trump criticized Hillary Clinton for being a warmonger and suggested he’d be the most peaceful president ever. Now, we’re potentially on the brink of war because of his actions. Color me shocked.

Snarky Takeaway

So, here we are, folks. On the precipice of another potential disaster, all thanks to the ego and hubris of one man. Get ready to pay more for gas, watch your 401k tank, and pray that we don’t end up in another endless war. At least we can all say we saw it coming. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll learn our lesson next time… though I’m not holding my breath.