Americano Does Trump know what he is trying to do in Iran?
20 snips
Feb 28, 2026 
Jacob Heilbrunn, political analyst and commentator, discusses the US–Israel strikes on Iran and the framing of regime change. He explores the risks of a decapitation strategy, neocon influence on policy, internal administration divisions, and the chances of popular uprising. The conversation also considers regional spillover and worst-case scenarios.
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Trump's All In Regime Change Gamble
- Trump has staked his presidency on a high-risk regime change strategy in Iran rather than a limited strike approach.
- Jacob Heilbrunn argues Trump is going “all in,” echoing George W. Bush’s gamble but without coherent postwar planning.
Relying On Iranian Uprising Is Wishful Thinking
- The administration hopes Iranian popular unrest will finish the job so US boots aren't needed.
- Heilbrunn warns Iran is weak but willing to fight to the death, and air strikes alone historically fail to produce regime collapse.
Decapitation Strategy Likely To Fail
- Decapitation strikes are seductive but impractical; removing leaders rarely ends regimes.
- Heilbrunn cites historical failures of air power and the regime's readiness to kill many protesters to remain in control.