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The risks and benefits of bombing Fordow. Spoiler alert: It’s a close call.

The U.S. bombing Iran a year ago would have been unwise. Now it’s worth serious consideration.

By MAX BOOT

Washington Post
June 18, 2025

To bomb or not to bomb? That is the question which, quite unexpectedly, has come to dominate U.S. politics in the past day or so.

For months, President Donald Trump was urging Israel not to attack Iran and to give his diplomatic efforts a chance to work. When Israel unleashed its bombing campaign late Thursday night, the immediate administration response was a noncommittal statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio did not offer any support for the Israeli action and stressed: “We are not involved in strikes against Iran.”

How quickly the administration transitioned, in just a few days, to Trump’s bellicose social media posts on Tuesday. First: “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.” (Who is “we”? There is no evidence of U.S. military aircraft over Iran — yet.) Then: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.” (Yes, this is a threat to kill Iran’s dictator.) And finally a demand for: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”