> This wouldn't be another 9/11, it would be merely be retaliation

The Japanese and Al Qaeda framed their attacks defensively. An attack on the homeland is an attack on the homeland. I wouldn’t put it past Iran. But you’d rapidly see political consensus to ensure the regime is destroyed at all costs, including and up to leaving a power vacuum and humanitarian crisis.

It already looks like the US is sending marines over. Any excuse to make it more politically palatable would be latched onto.

the war is wildly unpopular in the US (rightfully so) - attacking US would rally the country (rightfully so) and regime would fall within a week (with significant casulties on our side)

Probably all true, except for the "within a week" part. We don't have nearly enough there yet to do that, and buildups take time.

9/11 was retaliation for US imperialism.