Yes. Why should I trust the protection of nuclear deterrence when one party exhibits a type of extremism that welcomes martyrdom?
Neutralize the threat.
Iran welcomes martyrdom? They've never exhibited anything less than a strong interest in self-preservation that I could see.
I'd say being a state sponsor for terrorism qualifies. Even if, by some stretch, nuclear deterrence would stop the Iranian government from launching nukes, the corruption is such that the weapons could easily fall into less-cautious hands.
Also, the annihilation of Jews should not be seen as mere "self preservation."
The annihilation of Jews isn't something that rules Iran, just in case you're not aware. The President doesn't have real power. Self preservation is precisely what Iran seeks. We were on two sides, surrounding them militarily. I'd say that any individual or nation, would look toward self preservation.
Iran now see's them self's (in large part because of the Iraq War), and rightfully so, as the supreme power in the ME region. Yet, we continue to ignore this, and pretend like they're crazy nutjobs, when they are indeed, rationale, calculating strategists.
Why for so long did we put trust in a country like Pakistan to cooperate with is? Drop the Sunni's, who are anything but organized and reliable, and accept that the only way to move forward, is to work with Iran. Not capitulate, but to actually meet with Iran, and come to a real agreement (Yes, they are capable of such, despite your misconceptions).
The most important thing to remember is, we may be able to "conquer" Iran, but we will never be able to continuously occupy it. And than what are we left with?
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