While that is absolutely the case, the problem they have here is that they don't control escalatory dominance. Typically, the US can dial things up or down as convenient, and if things get too spicy they can leave without any consequence. But here, Iran controls a choke point of the global economy, and leaving would have disastrous geopolitical consequences for the US. If they're forced to abandon all their vassals in the Gulf, then their image as a world power collapses overnight. How can Europe, occupied Korea, or Japan credibly think that the US will defend them at that point?

[–] humanspiral@lemmy.ca 1 points 43 minutes ago

How can Europe, occupied Korea, or Japan credibly think that the US will defend them at that point?

It's disturbing if they currently think US will defend them, when all defenses are moved to Israel today, and Trump shifts from "not our problem, we should leave" and "permanent global economy destruction", and delaying "permanent global destruction" while Israel pursues it anyway. Furthermore, pursuing the Israel genocide expansion plan makes US angry at low enthusiasm level of its colonies to join, and promises "bad future" for its allies.

If they’re forced to abandon all their vassals in the Gulf, then their image as a world power collapses overnight.

That is most likely outcome. Of the $200B funding request bill, as much as $50B is expected as earmark to allies reparations other than Israel. Unclear that congress will go along with any funds for them.

[–] Maeve@kbin.earth 1 points 48 minutes ago

If they're forced to abandon all their vassals in the Gulf, then their image as a world power collapses overnight.

As opposed to staying and their image being more like the loooooong, slow decomposition of an embalmed corpse? Like it's still going to happen, it's just taking too 🤬 long?