Many people are looking at Iran too narrowly. They are not considering that eliminating Iran's leadership is part of a larger more important strategy, weakening China and protecting Taiwan. China imports 70% of it's oil. Venezuela and Iran accounted for 2 million bpd of imports and that oil was heavily discounted because of sanctions. Venezuela is now following guidance from the USA and selling oil to Texas refineries. Iranian oil is now also in question. Based on Trump's history, any future Iranian govt will be taking guidance from Trump and Rubio as to where and how they sell their oil. This dramatically weakens China's ability to threaten Taiwan in the future. China's dependence on imported energy means that China can be neutralized by the USA by cutting off their oil supply. This has shown other countries that China is an unreliable ally. Despite signing deals with Venezuela and Iran, China is unable to actually defend any of their allies. With China failing to do anything tangible to support Iran, other countries are coming to the realization that China is powerless on the world stage to change the facts on the ground. The USA has the ability and will to impose new governments where it chooses. China merely stands on the sidelines and watches. The Iran situation is more about China than many realize.(Wall Street Mav)