[RogerD]

I agree in terms of an extended war that GDP and population are important factors. Still, I would keep in mind the fraction of their GDP that Iran is willing to spend on warfare and their willingness to recruit and deploy large numbers of boys as young as 13 for both infantry warfare and terrorism. While neither helps in winning a sustained ground war, both factors will make the conflict more expensive for us if we wait to fight Iran until they are ready and a nuclear power.

[wolf78]

I agree in terms of an extended war that GDP and population are important factors. Still, I would keep in mind the fraction of their GDP that Iran is willing to spend on warfare and their willingness to recruit and deploy large numbers of boys as young as 13 for both infantry warfare and terrorism. While neither helps in winning a sustained ground war, both factors will make the conflict more expensive for us if we wait to fight Iran until they are ready and a nuclear power.

No disagreement here - Iran is by no means "tiny", and certainly a far bigger threat than Iraq - partially crippled by sactions already - ever was: It is several times more powerful an enemy.

I just wanted to point out that albeit Iran is no enemy to take lightly, the comparison with the axis powers is somewhat skewed. Judging by population, military and industrial strength - in relation to the US - Germany in 1938 alone was mightier than e.g. Russia is today. Iran doesn't even come close.