The Trump administration's messaging on Iran has drawn striking parallels to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with both governments using similar rhetoric to justify military action. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the United States would 'finish' the war in Iran, echoing President Vladimir Putin's claim that Russia was 'trying to finish' its conflict in Ukraine.

Both administrations have avoided calling their actions acts of war, with Speaker Mike Johnson describing Iran operations as 'an operation' - mirroring Russia's 'special military operation' terminology. The parallels extend to shifting objectives and exaggerated threats, with analysts warning that the Trump administration may be suffering from the same overconfidence that doomed Russia's initial war plan in Ukraine.

As the conflict enters its second week, there's no evidence Iranian forces are surrendering, unlike the expectations of a quick victory that characterized Russia's early days in Ukraine. The war has already produced similar patterns: changing timelines, ambiguous missions, and hopes pinned on regime change. Michael Kofman of the Carnegie Endowment warns that the conflict reflects 'enduring historical lessons' about aligning military means with political aims - lessons that Russia learned at great cost in Ukraine.