Retired General: Iran Strikes Need Clear End Goal to Stop War

Retired Army General Joseph Votel says a new round of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran will likely weaken the country but will not end the war. Votel, who led U.S. Central Command from 2016 to 2019, spoke with NPR's Leila Fadel about the goals of a potential post-election bombing campaign. He now chairs the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point.

Votel noted that many likely targets have already been hit. Iran has demonstrated the ability to rebuild those capabilities. While new strikes can punish Tehran and degrade specific systems, they have not changed Tehran's calculation regarding the direction of the conflict so far.

The general argued that Washington must first define a clear end state. He identified two main objectives for ending the war: resolving the enrichment issue and opening the Strait of Hormuz. Once these goals are set, military, economic, diplomatic, and information pressure should all align to achieve them.

Votel identified the financial front as the area with the most visible progress. He cited reporting that Iran's ghost fleet has run out of oil due to the blockade and sanctions. He described this approach as slow but noted definite movement in that direction.

The general stated that U.S. aims center on reopening the Strait of Hormuz to allow oil and other commerce to move freely. He said this would help lower gas and diesel prices at home. The second major concern is Iran's nuclear program. Votel also mentioned that Iran uses proxies to create regional instability, including links to the Houthis, but described Hormuz and enrichment as the principal worries.

On military readiness, Votel said American offensive power in the region is substantial. The ability to strike is not in question. However, he identified missile defense as a potential constraint. Defensive interceptors that protect U.S. forces and critical infrastructure are facing heavy pressure, while offensive capability remains where it needs to be.