The sanctions do cripple the Iranian economy. Very quickly food is in short supply. Other nations are unwilling to go against the US and supply Iran. The citizens of Iran bear the main brunt of the difficulties, much like during the sanctions against Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the 1990s. Civilian deaths rise quickly into the hundreds and then the thousands. Iran declares that if sanctions are not eased immediately, it will be forced to accelerate the war process and invade.
| Continue sanctions | See how things pan out. Iran has postured a lot in the past, and the threat may fail to materialize. Choking the citizenry may put internal pressure on Iran to comply. |
| Send troops to Israel | Send the signal that the US is behind Israel and is willing to fight on Israel's behalf (without actually engaging Iran). |
| Invade Iran | Iran has made it clear that it is not attentive to diplomatic signals. Only direct military confrontation will get the message across. |
| Reduce sanctions and lobby the UN | Request military support should Iran choose to act militarily. |