Iran Conflict: Votel says strikes delay but do not end war

Retired Army General Joseph Votel stated that a new wave of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran will likely degrade the country's capabilities without concluding the conflict. He made this assessment in an interview with NPR's Leila Fadel regarding the goals of a potential post-election bombing campaign.

Votel commanded U.S. Central Command from 2016 to 2019. He currently chairs the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. During his tenure, he oversaw American military operations across the Middle East. He noted that many targets in Iran have already been struck in previous rounds. Iran has demonstrated the ability to rebuild these assets after they are hit.

The general argued that strikes serve to punish Tehran and buy time. However, he said the attacks have not altered Tehran's calculations regarding the war's trajectory. Fadel observed that the Iranian government appears more hard-line and willing to launch bold counterattacks. Votel responded that the primary requirement is a clear objective. He said Washington must define the end state and determine how it will declare the war over.

Votel identified two main goals for ending the conflict. The first involves resolving the nuclear enrichment issue. The second is reopening the Strait of Hormuz to allow free movement of commerce. He stated that achieving these aims requires a coordinated approach using military, economic, diplomatic, and information pressure. Military force is only one component of this strategy.

The general pointed to the financial front as an area of visible progress. He cited reporting that Iran's ghost fleet has run out of oil due to blockades and sanctions. While this approach requires time, he noted definite movement in that direction. He also acknowledged that U.S. aims have been difficult to interpret. Reopening the strait would help lower gas and diesel prices in the United States. Iran's use of proxies, including the Houthis, creates regional instability, but Hormuz and enrichment remain the principal concerns.

On military readiness, Votel said U.S. offensive power in the region is substantial. The ability to strike is not in question. He identified missile defense as the potential constraint. Previous reporting described heavy pressure on defensive interceptors that protect U.S. forces, regional partners, and critical infrastructure. Votel assessed that offensive capability meets current needs, while defense faces a tighter limit.

Votel said bringing Iran to the negotiating table requires a clear statement of objectives. It also demands a coordinated use of military, economic, and diplomatic tools. Finally, it requires the patience to see that approach through.