Rather than own goal, it is likely just the plotting of Putin in conjunction with his benefactors in China.
There are many signs that US didn't plan jack shit regarding actual kinetic war in Ukraine and that they've been ad libbing it since day 1. They tried to discourage Russia for several weeks by flooding state controlled outlets with "leaks" of Russian attack once they realized it was inevitable, in the hopes that Russia would change course after thinking US had them all figured out in advance. US forces were not ready to provide strong military supply to Ukraine that could prevent the Donbass and the land bridge from being lost, despite a small initial Russian wave.
The purge against Russian capitalists also showed shocking shortsightedness or perhaps frustration. Russian capitalists have always been America's greatest ally inside China's bloc and the most detrimental faction towards Russian freedom, not to mention the long term aftershocks on the oil markets due to non-respect for private property, something all the sheiks deeply care about. These sanctions hurt US control and potential in exchange for momentary domestic frustration relief, which is never a good recipe.
America's plan was always to gradually take Ukraine into NATO after the Euromaidan coup, eventually culminating in armed reunification of the Donbass under the auspices of NATO, using Minsk 2 to buy time until Ukraine gained the capability. This would then open up the route to Crimea at a later date. US essentially thought that Europe can be put on the back burner and they can slowly work their way to "cleansing" the Donbass using Ukrainian proxies.
As with any plan, the enemy always gets a vote and Russia struck preemptively.
It is not in anyone's interest to have more nuclear powers. NK could only get theirs because they're a dependency. Iran isn't.
China should give them conventional weapons and discourage nuclear acquisition.
US justifying an operation on Iran is playing China's hands. Another Vietnam where communist aid can keep America pinned down and demilitarize them.
Would US survive another general draft? That is probably what will be needed for Iran war.
