It is possible — and necessary — to hold three positions at once on Iran: to oppose the regime's egregious repression of its people; to reject foreign military intervention; and to refuse nostalgia for an authoritarian past.

The Islamic Republic of Iran governs through fear. It jails journalists and lawyers, executes dissidents, and brutalises women who defy compulsory dress rules. Since the Women, Life, Freedom protests erupted in 2022, hundreds — possibly thousands — have been killed, and tens of thousands more detained. International investigators have documented rights abuses that may amount to crimes against humanity.

None of this should be minimised. The Iranian people deserve dignity, freedom and self-determination.

But condemning repression does not require endorsing war.

History teaches a clear lesson: foreign........

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