Analysts say post-9/11 wars unintentionally strengthened Iran

As the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks approaches, reflections focus on the attacks’ enduring personal trauma and their far-reaching consequences, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Analysts say the post-9/11 interventions unintentionally strengthened Iran by removing the Taliban and Saddam Hussein’s governments, allowing Tehran to expand its regional network of allies and militias. Other accounts emphasize that Iran initially assisted the U.S. campaign against the Taliban and argue that Washington missed opportunities for a limited rapprochement, including during the years surrounding the 2015 nuclear agreement. At the same time, critics contend that Iran facilitated the travel of some future hijackers and say the U.S. government has never fully investigated or publicly resolved the extent of that support. Comparisons between the post-9/11 wars and President Donald Trump’s current conflict with Iran have renewed concerns about open-ended military commitments, unclear exit strategies and the possibility of another long-term regional confrontation.