Now that Iran has claimed victory what realistic and sensible options are left for the US.

When Iran claimed victory after the MOU imploded it wasn't some Bagdad Bob moment, they truly believe they have defeated the Great Satan and as of today many military strategists could make a solid argument that Iran has indeed won this military conflict.

Could the US obliterate Iran with nuclear weapons? Yes.

Could the US decimate Iran's critical infrastructure thereby creating a catastrophic humanitarian crisis? Yes.

Most rational military strategists would consider these ^^^^ two options off the table. Neither option would be seriously considered until the war had escalated into a global conflict and then ......well you know.

I'll be honest, I'm not sure of the best path forward.

A full on military onslaught with a ground invasion seems unlikely without several other nations pledging ground soldiers and equipment. I can't imagine the US getting any substantial support from any nation other than Israel. I think the US/Israel are concerned if they proceed with a ground invasion the potential for other nations coming to the aid of the Islamic Regime is a real possibility. You see, Russia and China are giddy right now, they see the US and Israel with their tallywackers in a ringer and no easy way to back out and save face.

I have no military experience but I think if the US wanted to choke Iran out by using economic and financial warfare it could be done given time. I know the risk of a global recession/depression is also a possibility but that may be a better route than sending hundreds of thousands of US soldiers into Iran for a hard slog and then an extended occupation. Unfortunately for the US there is an internal war going on inside the US over the direction of the nation and that only complicates the ability for the US to execute an effective military campaign against the Islamic Regime. What makes matters worse is the fact there are way too many Americans who either support or sympathize with the Islamists who control Iran. Yeah, we got a fricking king size mess.

Or, as many on this forum have said for months, claim victory and leave, but that will difficult now that the MOU has imploded and Iran has claimed victory to the world over the Great Satan. If Iran is a stronger power in the ME after this military conflict it will not be just a victory for Iran, it will be a victory for the CCP and other nations who want the US on its knees.

I know there are a few PT regulars who have significant military experience....what's the best solution for the US at this point in time?