The US-Iran stalemate: Letters to the Editor Aug. 21, 2026

President Trump, I am a big supporter.But, as you know, Iran cannot be trusted (“Names change, but Iran’s aim stays the same,” Michael Goodwin, Aug.

19).We have stalled long enough.Massive military action is needed now.

This is all Iran will understand.I know many don’t want this, but at this point it’s necessary.If nothing is done, Iran’s regime will survive, Trump will lose Americans’ support, and we will lose the midterms.Vincent MonteraThe Villages, Fla.Mired in this quagmire, Trump has only one viable strategy: declare a phony victory, citing all the irreparable damage inflicted on Iran, then reiterating that his objective of dismantling Iran’s nuclear power has already been accomplished (yeah, right).Sadly, his vindictive nature makes it impossible for Republican colleagues to speak up.It reminds me of the “Twilight Zone” episode, “It’s a Good Life”: The super-powerful 6-year-old forces you to pretend everything is good.Poor Vice President JD Vance may be afraid he’ll wind up in a cornfield if he speaks his mind.Bill SchaeferSpringfield, NJI served in USMC Infantry combat in 1968.

The last time we demonstrated such stupidity, it cost us 58,267 of my brothers.It’s déjà vu: We’re bombing North Vietnam; we’re pausing our bombing; we can’t go into Cambodia, Laos, North of the DMZ.But we also have experience defeating fanatical regimes that don’t care an iota for their people.

Think Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.At the very least, we should take Kharg Island and financially strangle the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and mullahs.Thomas SmithSarasota, Fla.It’s time to stop this sick regime, which tortures and kills its own people — who long for a peaceful life.Iran’s leaders have to be destroyed before someone from our military is taken hostage or killed for money.Mo ColarussoManhattanTrump does not give a damn about those who, unlike him, have served their country.He has been credibly accused of saying those w...