Votel: New Attacks on Iran Will Degrade Targets but Not End War

Retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, who previously led U.S. Central Command, stated that a new round of American and Israeli strikes on Iran is likely to weaken the country's military capabilities but will not end the war. Votel, who now chairs the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, told NPR's Leila Fadel that while fresh attacks can buy time and punish Tehran, they have not yet altered the Iranian government's strategic calculations regarding the conflict's end state.

Votel noted that many likely targets in Iran have already been struck, and the country has demonstrated an ability to rebuild its infrastructure. He argued that the primary requirement for a successful campaign is a clear objective. In his view, that goal must focus on resolving the nuclear enrichment issue and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that once these aims are defined, military force should be used alongside economic, diplomatic, and information pressure.

The former commander pointed to the financial front as an area showing visible progress. He cited reporting that Iran's so-called ghost fleet has run out of oil, suggesting that the combination of a blockade and sanctions is adding pressure. Although Votel acknowledged that this approach takes time, he described the movement in that direction as definite.

Votel identified two main U.S. objectives: reopening the Strait of Hormuz to allow the free movement of oil and commerce, which would help lower domestic gas and diesel prices, and addressing Iran's nuclear program. He also mentioned that Iran uses proxies to create regional instability, including links to the Houthis, but he described Hormuz and enrichment as the principal concerns.

On the military readiness of the U.S. to sustain operations, Votel said American offensive power in the region remains substantial and is not in question. He indicated that the potential constraint lies in missile defense. Previous reports have described heavy pressure on defensive interceptors protecting U.S. forces and regional infrastructure. Votel assessed that while offensive capability is sufficient, the defense sector may face limitations.