Votel: Iran strikes buy time but lack end state
Retired Gen. Votel says the U.S. must define a clear finish line to avoid depleting missile defenses before the conflict resolves.
By Petra Garnier ·
Retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel stated that a new round of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran will likely weaken Tehran's military capacity but will not end the war. Votel, who led U.S. Central Command from 2016 to 2019, currently chairs the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. He spoke with NPR correspondent Leila Fadel about the goals behind a potential post-election bombing campaign.
The former commander noted that many likely targets have already been hit and that Iran has demonstrated the ability to rebuild them. He explained that strikes can punish Tehran and degrade specific capabilities, but they have not altered the Iranian government's strategic calculations. Votel observed that the regime appears more hard-line and more willing to execute bold counterattacks.
Votel argued that Washington must first define a specific end state. In his assessment, that definition centers on two issues: the enrichment of uranium and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He maintained that once that goal is set, military, economic, diplomatic, and information pressures should all align to achieve it. He stressed that military force is only one component of national power.
The general identified the financial front as the area showing the most visible progress. He cited reporting that Iran's ghost fleet has run out of oil due to blockades and sanctions. While he noted this approach requires time, he said there is definite movement in that direction. He added that reopening Hormuz would help lower gas and diesel prices in the United States.
On military readiness, Votel said American offensive power in the region is substantial and the ability to strike is not in question. He identified missile defense as the potential constraint. Earlier reporting indicated heavy pressure on defensive interceptors that protect U.S. forces, regional partners, and critical infrastructure. Votel concluded that while offensive capability remains strong, defense faces a constraint that could outlast the strikes.
Source: NPR
