The official name for the US military campaign in Iran is Operation Epic Fury. The unofficial name should have been “Desperately Seeking Delcy”.
Donald Trump’s decision to go to war in Iran was powerfully influenced by his military success in Venezuela in early January. A US president who came to office promising to end wars was clearly intoxicated by what he called a “stunning, effective and powerful display” of military might. He was also openly delighted by the prospect of gaining access to Venezuela’s oil.
Just a few weeks later the US, acting in concert with Israel, moved to overthrow the government of Iran. Trump saw the role that he had played in picking a new leader for Venezuela as a model for Iran. He told Axios: “I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodríguez] in Venezuela.”