The Answer - You say Iran would be more of a headache to the US militarily but then give examples of those headaches such as assasinations, etc. Thats not a military problem.
As far as "conventional hazards" you mention - (revolutionary guard, closing of straits of hormuz) As I stated, this will not be a ground war.(or should not, given the lessons learned in Iraq)
As far as secret treaties with China and Russia, I stated that is the one thing I am concerned with - the powers outside Iran(Russian, China)..
Comparing Iraq to Iran:
Militarily, Iran currently has roughly 200 fixed wing combat aircraft. During the gulf war, Iraq had about 600.
US Military strength comparison(2009):
It should make you feel a wee bit more relaxed....
(courtesy dailypaul.com)
Military Defense Spending and Budgets
USA - $515,400,000,000
China - $59,000,000,000
Russia - $43,200,000,000
Aerial-Based Weapons
USA - 18,169
China - 1,900
Russia - 3,888
Navy Ships
USA - 1559
China - 760
Russia - 526
Aircraft Carriers
USA - 12
China - 1
Russia - 1
Destroyers
USA - 50
China - 21
Russia - 15
Now what alternate universe am I from?
