What would a US air campaign against Iran look like?

This video explores a possible US air campaign against Iran. What might it look like? What sort of force might the US use? Bases, targets, Iranian defenses - and the China factor - all are explored.

00:00 intro
02:03 Why would it even happen?
03:18 Goals and target sets
05:52 Challenges and problems
08:03 What would the US use?
10:35 Iran’s SAM network
16:10 Active defense
19:28 Air campaign rundown

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[SportsIncorporated]

If air strikes were launched from Saudi Arabia, wouldn't that make any Saudi Arabia refineries fair game for Iran.

[AAKH]

"Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth." - Mike Tyson.

[thealimr]

You need to read history correctly because the Persian Gulf has always been, is, and will remain the Persian Gulf throughout history

[TurtleChad]

I'm surprised the US has border in the middle east.

[farzad.khodabandeh]

us was stock in Afghanistan for 20 years and lost to taliban at the end and got humiliated . now you think iran will lose that easy.

[arielsegieda]

well, im not the only one coming back to this video after Iran's attack

[fibodegjenn]

They would most likely enjoy what real-time intelligence the Russian and perhaps the Chinese could supply them. After US and NATO actions in Ukraine, I don't think such a scenario is to far fetched. That might hamper US carrier fleet's ability to deploy, as it might empower Iran to attack it.

[ggnghg]

The main goal of the United States is to focus on China, not consider Iran

[markstott]

Flattening Bandar Abbas naval base might be enough to deter Iran, but probably not. The problem is, once you start, it's going to be virtually impossible to descalate the conflict.
Iran will likely do its utmost to close the Straits of Hormuz and cripple oil and gas exports from the Middle East. In turn, the world's economy would be massively disrupted. Stock markets would plummet.
Is Iran worth the effort at this point in history. I suspect only as a last resort. To defeat Iran outright would need a ground invasion with +750, 000 troops at a minimum. Iran is vast. Plus, no large field army wants to deal with a guerrilla war, which would inevitably follow. Iranians may not like their leaders very much, but they would hate foreign troops far more.
Ensuring China doesn't try anything in Taiwan and Russia doesn't win in Ukraine is of higher priority right now.

[montecarlo]

But what would with US economy ? If US started the war VS Iran after 2 days Preis of Oil would be 200 $ !!!! All refineries in Qatar and big refineries and oil port in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in Persian Golf would be dead . It s about 15 million barrels daily !!!! And don t forget that all Western economies can not import oil from Rusia . In two months all western economie with this Oil Preis would be broken !!!

[krasavchik]

9:54 I would assume Iran has prepared and will continue to prepare more and more decoy targets for those expensive air to ground missiles. Economically it would be basically unwindable war in my opinion. It would further decline quality of life for every american. Thus increasing change of domestic civil disagreement.

[WWEK-WomensWrestling]

I think Iran's missile capabilties have been understated in this video. Iran's long range missiles serve as its primary deterrace strategy, but you barely mentioned them. The USA would struggle with an effective air campaign as all their airbases in the region would be destroyed. Many planes may be destroyed on the ground. That would leave the USA with its carrier groups, but aircraft carrier launched planes won't be able to "set Iran back over a decade" as Iran is simply too large for such a limited number of planes to be effective. Carrier groups can vulnerable to anti ship missiles. Russia would provide Iran with air defence systems and anti ship missiles. Ultimately I think the USA will avoid this war as it would only serve to weaken their position in the middle east. This is why Iran is able to get away with supplying Yemen with weapons to blockade the Red Sea. Ita also why Iran has also been able to launch missile attacks on US bases in other countries with no real retaliation from the US.

[blackhawk]

Hi i am from Iran, and next year i have do the mandatory military service, i hope i get lucky and nothing will happen during my service time

[johnadams]

Always your work is in-depth, well produced. Always look forward to seeing your next video.

[johnallen]

What US Strategic Interest or National Security Issue requires US Military Personnel in Jordan, Syria, and Iraq? Besides being human targets, what's the MISSION????

[TheMillwrm]

the problem with videos like this is that they always have a symmetric mindset . Iran doesn't play classic warfare that's why its creating those proxies so it has access to coasts of Yemen to also conduct attacks from there . also let's not forget Iranian attack in 2019 on Saudi oil industry cut their oil production in half in just one single swarm attack . so a war with Iran also makes Energy infrastructures and Major trade ports a target for Iran, also there is the nuclear capabilities involved which added to the overall complexity

[richdobbs]

This whole video is basically assuming that the USA uses a brain-damaged approach to combating Iran. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to say that wouldn't be the approach. The American approach to the Houthi issue is a counter argument suggesting that they would pick an even worse strategy.

[maltbie]

I dont like shorts, I dont have time to browse. I like to listen to you while i am working and I just dont have time or waste my time randomly browsing.

[paststeve]

This comment is to boost our old buddy, Al Go-Rhythm.

[Pytx]

"This episode was sponsored by Nikki Haley."