Gen. Votel: Fresh Iran Strikes May Weaken Tehran but Will Not End War

Retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel argues that a new wave of United States and Israeli attacks on Iran would likely degrade the country's military capabilities without ending the war. Speaking with NPR's Leila Fadel, the former commander of U.S. Central Command said that many targets in a potential post-election bombing campaign have already been struck. He noted that Iran has demonstrated the ability to rebuild these assets, meaning fresh strikes would primarily serve to buy time and punish Tehran rather than alter its strategic calculations.

Votel, who led Central Command from 2016 to 2019, stated that Washington must define a clear end state for the conflict. In his assessment, that objective centers on two specific issues: the management of uranium enrichment and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that once these goals are set, military, economic, diplomatic, and information pressure should be aligned to achieve them. He described military force as just one component of a broader national strategy.

The general pointed to financial pressures as the area showing the most visible progress. He cited recent reporting that Iran's shadow fleet has run out of oil, a result of the ongoing blockade and sanctions. While he acknowledged that this approach requires time, he said there is definite movement in that direction. He added that the U.S. aim is partly to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so that oil and other commerce can move freely, which would help lower domestic gas and diesel prices.

Votel also identified Iran's nuclear program as a second major concern. He mentioned that Iran uses proxies to create instability across the region, including the Houthis across the Arabian Peninsula, but he maintained that Hormuz and enrichment remain the principal worries. To bring Iran to the negotiating table, he said, the U.S. needs a coordinated use of all available tools and the patience to sustain that pressure.

Regarding the military's readiness, Votel said American offensive power in the region is substantial and the ability to strike is not in question. However, he identified missile defense as a potential constraint. He noted that defensive interceptors protecting U.S. forces and regional partners are under heavy pressure. He concluded that while offensive capability is sufficient, the defensive side may face limitations as the conflict continues.