JOE KENT: President Trump was Warned

Trump ignored the intelligence community's assessment that Iran was not developing a nuclear weapon and posed no imminent threat. Trump listened to Israeli officials and donors who claimed Iran was a paper tiger and that regime change would be easy. The intelligence community's credibility was damaged by RussiaGate, making it easier for others to convince Trump not to trust his own agencies.

U.S. war games and intelligence assessments predicted Iran would close the Straits of Hormuz and use asymmetric attacks on logistical supply lines. Killing moderate Iranian leadership would embolden hardliners and cause the Iranian people to rally around the flag.

Using tactical nuclear weapons in Iran could set a precedent that greenlights Putin to use them in Ukraine. Trump may be impatient during briefings and ignore the second and third-order effects of nuclear weapon use. Demanding total surrender from Iran could quickly lead to nuclear options because a ground invasion is not feasible.

Iranians do not take U.S. diplomats seriously because the U.S. attacked Iran during negotiations and killed its supreme leader. The MOU was likely a fig leaf to allow oil to exit the straits, as the U.S. immediately violated its terms.

Ratcliffe's Kremlin visit was likely to pressure Russia on Iran or discuss a joint nuclear agreement.

Russia will not take U.S. calls for restraint seriously because the U.S. has not reduced support for Ukraine. Putin believes the CIA sets aggressive policy regardless of the president, as U.S. support for Ukraine continues.

U.S. military supply depletion stems from an arrogant belief that America will always win as a superpower.

Some may advocate for a ground invasion in Iran because sophisticated munitions are depleted, necessitating use of abundant short-range weapons.

Trump was adequately warned about Iran but brushes off risks, believing he can force his will into situations.

Trump's political overconfidence is dangerous in a war that is existential for Iran but not for the U.S.

The White House lacks people with the courage to speak candidly to Trump about limited military options.

Senator Lindsey Graham lacks a concept of national security, which is unacceptable for a legislator during two hot wars.

Congress has handed over war powers to the executive branch since 9/11, and electing officials who don't understand their role perpetuates this.