What would happen in Iraq if we turned Tehran into a smoking ruin? With conventional weapons. Or if we succeeded in a strike taking out Irans political leadership?
We would cause the war to spread, and would further desataberlise those nations deemed pro western probably causing Islamic fundamentalist regime changes in those countries.
Also Tehran is where most of the moderate Iranian citizens live, most of the current regimes power base is from the poorer communities outside the major cities.
re : Or if we succeeded in a strike taking out Iran's political leadership?
Now that is a good idea but only if we know who will take there place.
Iran is weak economically large amounts of her oil revenue is being used to support very militia units such as the revolutionary guard, not only to counter any American invasion, but more importantly to soak up the poor young and unemployed they are given money and status, we need to start hitting Iran harder economically.
Iran is a house of cards with massive unemployment, the present regime is surviving through buying its thug supporters and more harsher measures.
I am all for limited strikes if needed to halt its nuclear program but leave the Iranian civilians out of the war, because with the right handling they can be out ace against the present regime