Victor Davis Hanson: This Is A Surreal War, What Is Actually Happening In Iran Is Not Being Reported

 The ongoing conflict, labeled as the "Iran war," is a U. S. military effort aimed at compelling Iran to cease its missile and nuclear programs and to support street protests potentially able to overthrow the Iranian regime. This summary outlines key points about the war's progress, media coverage, political implications, and public sentiment.

• Surreal Nature of the War: Despite being only two weeks into the conflict, reports suggest it is a long and problematic engagement, with concerns about U. S. military planning and effectiveness.

• Iran's Military Condition: Iran's military capabilities have severely diminished, with significant losses to its Navy, Air Force, and missile defenses. Despite this, some still claim Iran is unconquerable, raising confusion about the actual situation.

• Media Coverage Issues: There is a lack of credible media coverage from the ground in Iran, with most information coming from Iranian state news or a few Western outlets, such as CNN. This limits accurate reporting and diverse perspectives on the war.

• Public Attitude Towards the War: There is a marked difference from past U. S. wars, with less public support and a shift in the Democratic Party's stance, which some view as prioritizing political gain over national interest.

• Perceived Political Motives: Some Democratic members are perceived to sympathize with opposing forces, and there is a belief that failures in the war may benefit their party politically by framing the narrative around the Trump administration.

• Predictions for Iran's Future: The war could lead to significant regime changes in Iran or a potential strongman emergence. Regardless, the destruction of Iran’s military capacity has already occurred.

The Iran war is characterized by its unreal expectations and realities that are poorly represented in the media. The political implications for the U. S. are significant, with narratives suggesting that showing failure may be leveraged for electoral gain. The true impact and outcome of the war remain uncertain as it progresses.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2026/03/17/victor_davis_hanson_this_is_a_surreal_war_what_is_actually_happening_in_iran_is_not_being_reported.html