Iran Conflict: Retired General Cautions on Strike Limits

Retired Army General Joseph Votel said on Thursday that a new round of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran is likely to weaken the country's military capacity, but he does not believe these attacks will end the current war. Votel, who led U.S. Central Command from 2016 to 2019, told NPR that the conflict requires a clear definition of success before further bombing campaigns can be considered decisive.

The former commander argued that many probable targets have already been hit in previous waves of strikes. He noted that Iran has demonstrated the ability to rebuild these assets, meaning new attacks will primarily serve to buy time and degrade specific capabilities rather than force a final resolution. Votel stated that Tehran has not yet changed its fundamental calculations regarding the direction of the war.

During the interview, Votel identified two primary objectives for Washington: resolving the nuclear enrichment issue and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He described these as the principal concerns, while acknowledging that Iran also uses proxies to create regional instability, including through the Houthis on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula. He added that reopening the strait would help lower gas and diesel prices in the United States.

Votel emphasized that military force is only one component of a necessary strategy. He argued that economic, diplomatic, and information pressure must be coordinated with military actions to achieve the defined end state. He pointed to the financial front as an area showing visible progress, citing reports that Iran's ghost fleet has run out of oil due to the blockade and sanctions.

The general assessed that the U.S. military currently possesses substantial offensive power in the region. He said the ability to strike is not in question, but he identified missile defense as a potential constraint. Earlier reporting has described heavy pressure on defensive interceptors protecting U.S. forces, regional partners, and critical infrastructure.

Votel concluded that bringing Iran to the negotiating table requires a clear statement of objectives and the patience to see a coordinated approach through. He stressed that the U.S. must define how it will declare the war finished, a step he said has not yet been clearly articulated.