Military power can destroy a regime’s missiles, command centers, and military infrastructure. But a successful operation should not be mistaken for the achievement of its political objective. A government that can still repress its people and isolate its opponents may survive heavy blows and rebuild its military capabilities.

The question about Iran is not simply how much more pressure can be brought to bear on the regime. The more important question is how to end the threat it poses for good. Any answer that leaves out the Iranian people and their organized resistance is incomplete. Foreign powers should not choose Iran’s next rulers; they should help Iranians determine their own future.