Looking into the future: "The most recent stage of the conflict Iran began on Oct. 7 is into its second week," writes the Hudson Institute's Mike Watson, "and the Islamic Republic is getting routed." Israel has control of the skies, leaving the mullahs, their military commanders, and their nuclear scientists darting "furtively from one hiding hole to the next." Iran's objection is now survival, and while Donald Trump wants unconditional surrender, an "air campaign will probably not lead to that kind of victory," according to Watson. "For now, invasions, blockades, and nuclear strikes seem off the table." So what are the remaining options?
Forever war: Israel could destroy Iran's nuclear program and then reach some sort of accommodation with Tehran. Iranian leaders would use any "peace" deal, however, to rebuild their "terrorist armies, long-range arsenal, and nuclear program that are currently in shambles."
Regime change: If someone "whose mind has remained unwarped by the revolution were able to gain control of the state … the war could end on better terms." But that could be asking a lot: "In revolutionary environments, even initially small bands of determined fanatics like the ayatollahs can emerge on top."
Regime collapse: Though relatively peaceful in the case of the Soviets, the collapse of Iran's governments would likely prompt "Iran's neighbors and other powers" to move in and attempt to impose control. "This could be a bigger Syria."
"Some of these outcomes are darker than others, and the options would intersect in complicated and unpredictable ways," Watson concludes. "One thing is certain: Trump is right—these suicidal, murderous fanatics must not come anywhere near the bomb."
READ MORE: Iran’s Post-Regime Possibilities
That long, red line: Iran sat for talks with European countries in Geneva on Friday. Asked if those talks help, Donald Trump said no. That could be because Iran indicated during those talks that it is "not willing to sacrifice its uranium enrichment program," our Adam Kredo reports, a position that appears to be a nonstarter for Trump.
The talks took place as Israel continued strikes on Iran's nuclear program. Tehran has said it will not reach a deal with the United States unless those strikes stop. Would Trump ask Israel to halt them? "I think it's very hard to make that request right now," the president said while speaking to reporters from New Jersey. "When someone is winning, it's a little harder to do than when someone is losing."
READ MORE: Tehran Says 'Zero Enrichment' Is Off the Table as Israeli Strikes on Nuclear Program Continue
Behind enemy lines: CNN correspondent Frederik Pleitgen arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, making him the first Western journalist to do so at this stage of Iran's war with Israel. Two days later, he "used the access to report from a crowd of angry pro-regime protesters" who "chanted 'death to America,' burned Israeli and American flags, and threatened President Donald Trump," writes our Meghan Blonder.
Pleitgen at one point walked with the protesters, pointing out the "anger being voiced by many of the folks who are walking here in this protest." One woman he interviewed said this to Donald Trump: "You are threatening my leader. Don't you know my nation believes death is sweeter than honey."
CNN aired the segment repeatedly on Friday. After one airing, Anderson Cooper noted that Iranian officials "obviously … wants to see people out there in the streets protesting, sending a message certainly to people in the United States and perhaps to Israel." They appear to have found the perfect partner to do so.
WATCH: CNN Journo Carries Messages From Pro-Regime Protesters Chanting 'Death to America' in Tehran
In other news:
- Law enforcement authorities charged the man accused of threatening to kill Jewish congressman Max Miller in an anti-Semitic tirade: Feras Hamdan, a family doctor in the Cleveland area.
- You can't teach a dementia-ridden dog new tricks: Joe Biden was caught talking in the quiet car and asking for ice cream "while commuting on Amtrak to his government-provided D.C. office—where little known work is being done," the New York Post reported.
- Nearly two-thirds of Democrats say their party's leaders "should be replaced with new people," compared with just 30 percent of Republicans who said the same, a new poll found.