Trump could be making a brilliant chess move, but only if the next 20 moves have been well thought out in advance, which certainly is not his style. We can only hope that the professionals in the military and foreign service — exactly the people that Trump disdains — have done their homework. — Class Enemy, United States

Worse than war is the near certainty that Iran will be a nuclear power soon. It is imperative that the U.S. and Iran act diplomatically to settle differences now before there is further escalation and more bloodshed. The future threat of nuclear weapons unleashed in the Middle East overwhelms other considerations. Let us return to the 2015 nuclear accord, lift sanctions against Iran and treat Iran not as an enemy but as any other nation. Iran’s burden is to do the same with the U.S. We must erase 40 years of discord however we can. — Harold, Bellevue, Wash.

‘Killing an enemy who kills Americans is an easy decision’

I am no fan of this president. He’s foolish and dangerous, for many reasons. But I am continually astonished at the lengths some people will go to to vilify everything he does. Trump brings it on himself because he’s so easy to dislike, but killing an enemy who kills Americans is an easy decision. Letting him live when you could have done something about it would have been the greater evil. — Mike, Pennsylvania

There is a real possibility for Iran to have a true leadership role in that area of the world in the future, although it is difficult to see that under the current leadership. I do see a young, educated population yearning to be part of the world at large and that doesn’t want their resources spent on militias and terror groups anymore.

The U.S. is in a position to finish Iran with minimal casualties in the region. Economic warfare with a military shield is a devastating combination. Iran’s theocratic leadership can easily see its end of days, depending on its choices. — Mark, Texas

‘If there is a war, it won’t be without heavy human cost’

When a Democrat proposes universal health coverage, the first question is always, “How much will it cost and how are you going to pay for it?” So I ask: How much did killing Suleimani cost us? Not just the drone and rockets, but the man hours for planning and executing it, and then beefing up security at the Baghdad embassy and every military installation in the Middle East, bringing in new troops and relocating others.

How will the Suleimani operation and its consequences be paid for? By taxes, of course, and deficit spending with interest on borrowed money. I know, I know. It’s all worth it for “national security.” — Abigail49, Georgia