Implement an Anaconda Plan to Free Iran Once and for All

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The author, Patrick K. O'Donnell, a military historian, argues that the U.S. and its allies should implement an "Anaconda Plan" to defeat the Iranian regime. He suggests that while the air war in Iran has been effective, a decapitation strategy alone is not enough. O'Donnell proposes cutting off the Iranian regime's funding sources, particularly its oil exports, in order to cripple its ability to fund its nuclear ambitions, terror proxies, and suppression of the Iranian people. He advocates for using irregular warfare tactics, including arming the Iranian people and eliminating the remnants of Iran's nuclear program through commando raids.

Why it matters

The author believes that the Iranian regime poses a grave threat to global security and that decisive action is needed to defeat it. He argues that the current conventional military approach is insufficient and that a comprehensive economic strategy targeting the regime's funding sources is essential to overthrowing the regime and restoring power to the Iranian people.

The details

O'Donnell draws a parallel between the Anaconda Plan used during the U.S. Civil War and the strategy he proposes for Iran. He suggests that just as the Anaconda Plan aimed to strangle the Confederacy economically, a similar approach targeting Iran's oil exports and other funding sources could cripple the regime. Specifically, he recommends seizing or destroying Iran's oil infrastructure, particularly the facilities at Kharge Island which account for a large portion of its oil production. He also suggests cutting off rail and port traffic that transports weapons and drone revenue to Russia, as well as continuing to attack the regime's financial assets and means of evasion.

• The air war in Iran has been ongoing.
• The recent protests in Iran were fueled in part by economic factors, including the collapse of the Iranian currency and hyperinflation.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The author does not provide any specific next steps, as the article focuses on outlining the overall strategy he proposes for defeating the Iranian regime.