My plan, which could avoid a full-scale invasion or even air strikes:
1. Send the mullahs a notice that attempting to assemble what appears to be a nuclear bomb will be a causus belli.
2. Build up the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Air Force to way beyond pre-1991 levels. Give them M1 tanks, Apaches, F-15s, F-18s, Bradleys, Strykers, and all of our latest missile and smart bomb technology.
3. Just like the Soviet Union responding to US military buildup in the 1980s, the Iranian regime will be forced to spend more and more money on their military while their regime crumbles from within, with Kurds and PMOI causing dissent.
4. Step up the economic sanctions. With Sarkozy at the helm of the EU now, this might not be too hard. Let China know that if they want to sell weapons or if they want to buy oil, Iraq is fully open for business.
5. Sanctions plus forced spending on defense sends Iran into huge debt and national bankruptcy. The power of the mullahs is diminished, and a group of concerned citizens escort them from their offices.
6. Win.
