The conventional wisdom in Washington is that time is running out to stop Iran or reach a deal with the regime. There is, however, another way to view the events unfolding between the United States and Iran, specifically, seeing time and speech as freedom's greatest advantage. 

The immediate headlines understandably focus on the costs of conflict. Critics argue that the United States must quickly find a way to end the fighting before the consequences become even more severe. These are legitimate concerns. No serious person should dismiss the cost of war or the sacrifices made by American service members. We shouldn’t pretend that military action is without consequence. But short-term discomfort is not a defeat. 

 For decades, Iran's leaders have relied on time as a strategic weapon. They negotiated when pressure became unbearable, made promises when sanctions became painful, and waited for political changes in Washington to provide an opportunity to begin the cycle again. The assumption was that America would eventually lose interest, lose patience or lose the political will to maintain pressure. That assumption is now being tested with new leadership, and the cycle of American acquiescence to Iran is........

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