Votel: New Iran Strikes Weaken Targets But Lack Defined End Goal

Retired Army General Joseph Votel stated that a new series of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran will likely reduce the nation's military capabilities, yet he does not expect these strikes to end the war.

Votel, who led U.S. Central Command from 2016 to 2019, currently serves as chair of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. In an interview, he noted that many potential targets have already been hit in previous campaigns. He observed that Iran has demonstrated the ability to rebuild those assets, meaning new strikes primarily serve to buy time and impose costs on Tehran.

According to Votel, the central issue is the absence of a clearly defined objective. He argued that Washington must specify what the end state looks like and how officials will determine when the conflict is over. In his view, the core issues are the enrichment of uranium and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Votel suggested that military force is just one component of national power. He contended that economic, diplomatic, and informational pressure must align with military action to achieve a specific goal. He identified the financial sector as the area showing the most visible progress, citing reports that Iran's shadow fleet has run out of oil due to blockades and sanctions.

The general acknowledged that U.S. objectives have been difficult to interpret publicly. He stated that the primary aim is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to allow oil and commerce to flow freely, which he said would help lower domestic gas and diesel prices. The secondary concern is Iran's nuclear program. He also noted that Iran uses proxies, such as the Houthis, to create instability in the region, but he described Hormuz and enrichment as the main priorities.

When asked about the U.S. military's capacity to sustain operations, Votel said offensive power remains substantial. He indicated that the ability to strike is not in question. However, he pointed to missile defense as a potential constraint. He noted that defensive interceptors protecting U.S. forces and regional partners are under heavy pressure, suggesting that while offense is robust, defense faces limitations.