IRAN & AMERICA FIRST: How Does That Work? /Lt Col Daniel Davis

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Core Claim

The president is undeniably reshaping world politics, but not in a coherent or genuinely “America First” way. Instead, U.S. foreign policy has become inconsistent, legally questionable, and strategically dangerous—closer to global disorder than a new world order.

America First — In Name Only

Military actions in Nigeria, the Red Sea (Houthis), Iran, and Venezuela do not clearly serve U.S. national interests.

Several actions appear driven by domestic political constituencies (e.g., evangelicals over Nigeria) or foreign interests (especially Israel regarding Iran).

The Venezuela operation was effectively about oil and regime change, not drugs or security.

Most of these actions occurred without congressional authorization, violating both the U.S. Constitution and international law.

Authoritarian Drift

With few remaining guardrails, the president operates with near-total discretion.

So far, restraint has come not from law or principle, but fear of retaliation.

Iran represents a major escalation risk because retaliation is likely and potentially severe.

Iran: High Risk, No Upside

Unlike Iraq (2003), there are:

No boots on the ground

No capacity to occupy or control territory

Missile strikes alone won’t achieve regime change.

Iran has significant missile capabilities and U.S. forces in the region are vulnerable.

Any conflict could spiral quickly with no clear U.S. gains.

NATO and Alliances

NATO should have been ended or frozen after the Cold War, not expanded.

Expansion doubled membership, increased costs, and provoked Russia despite repeated warnings.

The U.S. should no longer be Europe’s frontline defender 80+ years after WWII.

Europe is wealthy enough to handle its own defense; the U.S. should shift to a secondary, over-the-shoulder role.

What Not to Do

Abrupt, aggressive actions (e.g., threatening to seize Greenland) undermine alliances and Article 5 credibility.

Lacking a clear strategy creates confusion, alienates allies, and antagonizes adversaries unnecessarily.

What a Real America First Strategy Would Look Like

Coherent, long-term strategy tied to U.S. economic and security interests

Respect for limits of power

Avoiding unnecessary wars

Preserving alliances while rebalancing responsibilities

Seeking stability, cooperation, and win-win outcomes where possible

Bottom Line

There is still time to course-correct:

No war with Iran yet

NATO not fully ruptured

Strategic space still exists

But success depends on rejecting impulsive militarism, restoring legal and strategic discipline, and prioritizing genuine American interests over chaos, ideology, or political theater.