Iran displayed for the world to see the unharmed drone that was landed. It was at that point the US had to admit that the drone was seized by Iran. It did not crash, it was intact. My assumptions are quite reasonable. Here's my assumption, it's an assumption: I think Iran took down the drone to show the West that it has capabilities to jam its radar and equipment, and the ability to take control of our weapons. If indeed they do have that capability (which is my assumption) then any attempt at an invasion would be quite devastating to us. Yes, we can win, but the costs outweigh the pyrric victory.
As far as targeting Israel. Well, if we struck Iran with our might, I don't see how Iran would not strike Israel in retaliation. Israel is a lot closer than the US.
Also, Iran recently announced their ships will be travelling in the Atlantic Ocean. NY sits along the Atlantic.
I agree with you that a nuclear exchange would not be possible, but the reason that a nuclear consideration is not pondered by the US is the fact that Iran has long range ballistic missiles that would be used to retaliate such a strike, and the strike would be on Israel's Dimona site. So that option is off the table for the West.
By the way, why do you think Iran is giving us the finger:
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