The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: Preventive or Preemptive? The Pros and Cons of a Potential US Strike on Iran
Feb 23, 2026
Discussion of U.S. naval and air force positioning near Iran and the tight operational timing for any strike. Exploration of preventive versus preemptive military options and the legal authority for action. Accounts of Iranian protests and regime repression. Consideration of risks to U.S. forces, potential civilian harm, regional stability, and political costs.
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Buildup Could Mean Preventive Or Preemptive Action
- The US buildup off Iran could signal either a preventive long-term threat posture or a preemptive strike against a short-term threat.
- Victor Davis Hanson notes the forces are the largest since 2003 and that a decision to act is controversial and uncertain.
Regime Change Ending Iran's Regional Threat
- Removing Iran's regime has been a recurring objective across eight presidencies and would halt its support for regional proxies and nuclear ambitions.
- Hanson argues Iran can't be trusted on nukes and regime change would curb missile and hypersonic threats to allies and potentially the US.
Moral Case Linked To Protester Repression
- Hanson frames a moral rationale for striking by highlighting mass killings and human-rights abuses by Iran's regime.
- He cites estimates of 10,000 to 30,000 protesters killed and suggests timing an attack with renewed protests could help opposition.