San Diego Expert Weighs In on U.S. Involvement in Iran

Kroc School Dean Darren Kew discusses potential regional instability and economic impacts.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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As the U.S. and Iran exchange missile strikes, a San Diego expert on the Middle East, Darren Kew of the University of San Diego's Kroc School of Peace Studies, warns of increasing regional instability and the possibility of prolonged U.S. military involvement that could impact San Diego servicemembers.

Why it matters

The escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran has significant geopolitical and economic implications, especially for border regions like San Diego that have close ties to the military and could face economic disruptions.

The details

Kew believes the Trump administration's initial attempts to pressure Iran into nuclear negotiations have now evolved into efforts to topple the Iranian regime, despite the country's government still being intact. He expects the U.S. and Israel will continue pushing strongly to remove what remains of Iran's leadership, which could lead to a protracted conflict with uncertain outcomes.

  • The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has been ongoing since at least June 2025.

The players

Darren Kew

Dean of the Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego.

Trump Administration

The former U.S. presidential administration that initiated pressure on Iran.

Israel

A key U.S. ally that is also involved in the conflict with Iran.

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What they’re saying

“I think the immediate picture is going to see increasing instability within Iran and across the middle East and a likelihood of increasing military force being used.”

— Darren Kew, Dean of Kroc School of Peace Studies at USD (nbcsandiego.com)

“I think there's a lot a stake for us here in San Diego.”

— Darren Kew, Dean of Kroc School of Peace Studies at USD (nbcsandiego.com)

What’s next

The president is expected to address the nation soon to provide more information and clarity on the U.S. strategy and goals in the conflict with Iran.

The takeaway

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran pose significant risks for regional stability and could have far-reaching economic and military impacts, especially for border communities like San Diego that have close ties to the military and the global economy.