War with Iran: What are the goals?

In case there is a question as to what war with Iran would ultimately achieve, consider the matter comprehensively and objectively, so as not to lose sight of the big picture. It is known that after multiple rounds of negotiations, Iran had not conceded to US demands [1]. Interestingly, the US administration is not doing this for Israel [2]. It is not definitive whether or not regime change would be a goal of the war [3]. The President of the United States has stated that the threat posed by Iran is its weapons program, specifically nuclear weapons [4]. While the apparent goal involves addressing that threat, there are subtle corresponding goals.

Military Reputation

The POTUS has boasted that the United States has the most powerful military in the world. On September 30, the POTUS gave a speech coinciding with the renaming of the U.S. Department of Defense to the U.S. Department of War, in which he said “It’s very important for me to say that we have the best military in the world…From Sparta to Rome, to the British Empire, to the United States of America…the most unstoppable force ever to walk the face of the earth, and that’s what we are [5].” For that claim to be perceived as true in the contemporary world, it would have to be convincingly demonstrated in actual combat. The implications are not only a strong deterrence globally, but also value for U.S. arms, which has become a major industry internationally. In May 2025 the POTUS toured gulf nations, securing astounding investments in U.S. arms deals with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates [6].

Economic Emphasis

The crises within Iran indicates that economic pressure imposed by the United States is impactful. In Iran, economic conditions that prompted the protests have continued to worsen [4]. Economic conditions in Iran have been heavily affected by the U.S. administration imposing “maximum pressure” sanctions on Iran as of February 2025 [7]. Inversely, there is the incentive for relief from economic pressure, and furthermore, there is the lure of partaking in the so-called “golden age” that is being touted. The prospect of rebuilding Iran, and other areas in the Middle East, is alluring. But the only thing that is actually golden about it is the age of the generation that saw Israel reestablished as a nation.

Peace and Security

World peace is being pursued by means of global dominance. While world peace certainly would be a good thing, it should be exceedingly clear from the Bible, the word of God, that any peace that the world has to offer is a false peace. “When they say peace and security, then disaster will fall…and they will not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). The Lord Jesus Himself said “take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24:4). The Lord Jesus also said “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives” (John 14:27), and that is the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

References

[1] Fattah, A., B. Schmida, C. Moorman, B. Rezeai, K. Wells, A. Borens, K. Campa, B. Carter. Iran Update, February 26, 2026. Institute for the Study of War.

[2] Rosenberg, J. C. 2026, March 2. ‘These are tectonic shifts’ – Joel Rosenberg sees biblical and strategic turning point as US-Israel war with Iran expands across Middle East. All Israel News.

[3] Magid, J. 2026, February 27. Live Updates: Trump ‘not happy’ with Iran’s conduct in nuclear talks, says still no decision on strike. Times of Israel.

[4] Hempel, P., Z. Wakilzada, K. Wells, B. Schmida, R. Reddy, N. Morrison, B. Rezaei, C. Moorman, and A. Ganzeveld. Iran Update, February 25, 2026. Institute for the Study of War.

[5] Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2025. Remarks to the Department of War in Quantico, Virginia, September 30, 2025. Authenticated U.S. Government Information.

[6] Dent, E. 2025. Unpacking Trump’s 2025 Gulf Investment Tour. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

[7] Thomas, C. 2025. U.S. Sanctions on Iran, Document IF12452. Congressional Research Service.