Military Strategy: Votel assesses limits of new Iran strikes
Former CENTCOM commander Joseph Votel argues that while new attacks can degrade Iranian capabilities, they lack a clear end state and may be constrained by defensive shortages.
By Ayanda Boateng ·
Retired Army General Joseph Votel says a potential new wave of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran is unlikely to end the conflict.
The former head of U.S. Central Command, who led the command from 2016 to 2019, now chairs the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. In a discussion with NPR's Leila Fadel, Votel addressed the goals behind a possible post-election bombing campaign. He noted that many likely targets have already been hit, and Iran has demonstrated an ability to rebuild them.
Votel stated that strikes can buy time, punish Tehran, and degrade specific capabilities. However, he argued that previous attacks have not changed Tehran's calculation regarding the war's trajectory. He identified two main objectives for Washington: resolving the enrichment issue and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The general emphasized that the U.S. must define a clear end state and determine how it will declare the war finished. He advised that military, economic, diplomatic, and information pressure should all target that specific goal. While military force is one component, Votel said the other elements of national power are necessary for success.
Votel 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, a result of the blockade and sanctions. Although this approach requires time, he noted there is definite movement in that direction.
The general described the U.S. aims as difficult to read but centered on reopening the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate oil and commerce movement. This would help lower gas and diesel prices at home. He also cited Iran's nuclear program and its use of proxies, including the Houthis, as concerns, but labeled Hormuz and enrichment as the principal worries.
Regarding military readiness, Votel said American offensive power in the region is substantial. He identified missile defense as the potential constraint, noting that earlier reporting described heavy pressure on defensive interceptors. In his assessment, offensive capability is sufficient, while defense faces a constraint.
