What would happen if Iran and the US went to war?

[Saucycarpdog]

With all this talk about rising tensions between the US and Iran, it got me thinking about if war broke out.

What do you guys think? Would Iran put up a fight? Would any other countries get involved?

 

[Colour Scientist]

I think asking if Iran would put up a fight is an extremely slly question. They're not just going to lay down and let America fuck them.

I don't think America would be able to go to war against them. It doesn't seem as though they could financially sustain it and the public support wouldn't be as plentiful as ten years ago. I'm not American but most people seem war-weary and they should be. America just got out of one, prolonged war, they have hopefully learned not to jump straight into another one which will likely be just as messy.

 

[isometry]

Iran would make allies in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, by supporting anti-US forces (they already do that). It would put a strain on US relations with other middle eastern states like egypt and saudi arabia, they will be mad at us but won't side with Iran; oil prices would skyrocket, at least temporarily. Russia and (possibly China) would probably help the Iranians covertly (if not by government action, then by organized crime, smuggling etc). US allies in europe will try to stay out of the war, but they might face ground attacks.

As far as attacking Iran on the ground, they have a lot more supplies than Iraq did, so the insurgent fighting would be more deadly for US forces. Iran would pool it's resources towards trying to complete a nuclear bomb, and unless we stopped them from achieving that, the war would basically end. Iran would rebuild from our airstrikes, now posessing a nuclear weapon, and with US influence in the middle east greatly reduced.

Most countries in the world don't like Israel, that's why the US would lose all of its middle eastern allies if it attacked Iran to protect Israel. Strategically, Israel does not deserve our protection, but pro-Israel lobbyists have a lot of power in American politics, maybe enough to drive us to a disastrous war.

 

[SneeringCanuck]

Israeli politicans cheer and high five one another because they got America to fight another war for them?

 

[Phlakes]

Lots more years of wasting everyone's time, money, and patience, when we have much bigger and more important things to worry about.

 

[Kolby Jack]

Unlikely. It'd be far easier to incite a revolution, because NOBODY in Iran who doesn't hold a government job likes the Iranian Government. As long as Israel doesn't do anything stupid to piss off the Iranian people, the Ayatollah and his yes-men won't last very long.

 

[Azhrarn-101]

I think asking if Iran would put up a fight is an extremely slly question. They're not just going to lay down and let America fuck them.

I don't think America would be able to go to war against them. It doesn't seem as though they could financially sustain it and the public support wouldn't be as plentiful as ten years ago. I'm not American but most people seem war-weary and they should be. America just got out of one, prolonged war, they have hopefully learned not to jump straight into another one which will likely be just as messy.

And lack of funds stopped US politicians since when?
They'll just print some more, like they always have.
If a Republican wins the next election (which is unlikely, what with their candidates being either stupid or insane), then chances are pretty high that you'll be at war with Iran before the first year of that president is over.
Heck, all the military contractors will be lining up to "convince" politicians that there's a threat in Iran. War is how they keep their ridiculous revenue going after all.

 

[alandavidson]

Iraq round two.

Seriously, I hope we don't go to war with anyone for a very long time, and instead focus on getting our economy back up to a non-shitty level.

 

[Yvl9921]

Uh, yeah, something would happen. You'd be seeing $50 per gallon gas prices, to the point that transit would cease to function, ruining our economy. Iran controls the biggest oil supply route and could fuck over everyone if invaded.

The US and Iran are already at a different kind of war - one of subterfuge. We (probably) helped stoke the political tension after their rigged election, and they tried to assassinate an ambassador on our soil. And honestly, their government is so sickly, that the US doesn't NEED to go to war with them, we need to just keep doing what we're undoubtedly doing.

 

[The Code]

I'd emigrate to Japan. I've already completed three Japanese language courses at the community college here, and last time I checked, Japan was trying to keep itself out of that particular 'argument'. Besides, I like to think I'd fit in better with Japanese society than I would American. That might not be the truth, but every man is entitled their delusions.

OT EDIT: Gas prices would skyrocket. Trade between the U.S. and other countries would likely cease, food shipping would be all but impossible, ambulances, fire trucks, and law enforcement vehicles would have to rely on rationed supplies or stop altogether, and the government would probably have to enact martial law and commandeer any and all non-essential gas supplies and shipments for their own use.

It's scary to think about just how much our society as a whole is reliant on refined dinosaur blood, isn't it? I'm just glad I'm a member of the SCA.

 

[MaximumCrux]

Oh yay! Another morbid speculation thread, I never see enough of these around here!

You know what will happen OP?

A lot of people will die. Pointlessly.

 

[Veylon]

Erm, does anyone remember that the U.S. produces 2/3rds of it's oil domestically? Gas prices would get exorbitant, to be sure, but it's not as though we're desperately reliant on the Persian Gulf. It's countries like Japan and China, and even the EU, who have little-to-no oil production who would really get shafted.

The best thing we could do in a war with Iran is refuse to fight it. People always turn to their leaders in a showdown with a foreign power, so denying them an opponent could cripple the Ayatollahs' regime. What are they supposed to say to rally support when the skies are eerily empty of enemy aircraft and the only war crimes are those committed at their orders?

Of course, if we Americans started such a foolish war, we'd end up occupying another country that hates our guts for flagrantly justifiable reasons. I like to hope we aren't that stupid.

 

[JesterRaiin]

What do you guys think? Would Iran put up a fight? Would any other countries get involved?

Well, if the great Soviet States of America will attack, win (of course), spread democracy, love, and flowers all over Imperialistic Iran in matter of month or so.

The spice must flow the blood of innocents too, but who cares. Life is cheap, resources aren't.

 

[Elementary - Dear Watson]

Israel would join, no questions about that! And the US would welcome the Air Power expertise. I imagine in this case of the US going to war, it would have been Iran to have started it. The US wouldn't do something that drastic at the moment, and therefore if Iran does attack the US, then article 5 of the NATO charter would probably be called upon, and I imagine the UK, France, Germany and many of the smaller countries who like to donate some shiny kit to a cause so they can be seen will also step into the breach.

It would also be a long and bloody war, which will spread over to many of the surrounding arabic nations, especially some of the ones Iran has close ties with, like Syria...

 

[Furioso]

You guys are forgetting Turkey, they are beginning to flex their military might in the middle eastern area, so they need to be taken into account, but I do not know enough about the other areas to say one way or the other

 

[enzilewulf]

I think asking if Iran would put up a fight is an extremely slly question. They're not just going to lay down and let America fuck them.

I don't think America would be able to go to war against them. It doesn't seem as though they could financially sustain it and the public support wouldn't be as plentiful as ten years ago. I'm not American but most people seem war-weary and they should be. America just got out of one, prolonged war, they have hopefully learned not to jump straight into another one which will likely be just as messy.

And lack of funds stopped US politicians since when?
They'll just print some more, like they always have.
If a Republican wins the next election (which is unlikely, what with their candidates being either stupid or insane), then chances are pretty high that you'll be at war with Iran before the first year of that president is over.
Heck, all the military contractors will be lining up to "convince" politicians that there's a threat in Iran. War is how they keep their ridiculous revenue going after all.

You hit the nail right on the head.

I don't think the Obama administration would go to war with yet another middle east country.

These Christian extremist that we call the Tea Party and the GOP will wage war on any Islamist country because they are fucking Islamist. Let me remind every one that most of these candidates have been quoted as saying they wouldn't appoint any Muslims to office. Hell some one in Rick Perrys campaign said that all muslims are a threat and so are athiest. I can kindly tell any one who thinks the same to please go die a inhumane death very slowly.

/rant.

 

[Kahunaburger]

Lots more years of wasting everyone's time, money, and patience, when we have much bigger and more important things to worry about.

Truth. That and some oil market fluctuations and more Mideast instability. But I would suspect that under the Obama administration any anti-Iran action would be with a NATO coalition, if Libya is the model for the Obama variation of the Dumb Mideast War (TM).