Iran Strategy: Retired General Defines End State Goals

Retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel says new U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran will likely buy time rather than end the war.

Votel, who led U.S. Central Command from 2016 to 2019, now chairs the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. He spoke with NPR correspondent Leila Fadel about the objectives of a potential post-election bombing campaign. Votel noted that many likely targets have already been hit and that Iran has demonstrated the ability to rebuild its capabilities. He described strikes as a tool to punish Tehran and degrade specific assets, but he said they have not yet changed the country's strategic calculations regarding the war's trajectory.

The general emphasized that the first requirement is a very clear objective. He stated that Washington must define the end state and determine how it will declare the conflict over. In his assessment, that goal centers on two specific issues: the nuclear enrichment program and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Votel argued that military force is only one component of national power. Once the goal is set, economic, diplomatic, and information pressure must be aligned to achieve it. He pointed to the financial front as the area showing the most visible progress. He cited recent reporting indicating that Iran's ghost fleet has run out of oil, a development driven by blockades and sanctions. He acknowledged this approach takes time but noted definite movement in that direction.

Votel identified the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a primary U.S. aim to allow oil and commerce to move freely. He said this would help lower gas and diesel prices in the United States. He also listed Iran's nuclear program as a second major concern. While noting that Iran uses proxies to create regional instability, including connections to the Houthis, Votel described Hormuz and enrichment as the principal worries.

The general acknowledged that U.S. aims have been difficult to read for the public. He stressed the need for a coordinated use of military, economic, and diplomatic tools, along with the patience to see that approach through. On military 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, regional partners, and critical infrastructure face heavy pressure. Votel assessed that while offensive capability meets current needs, the defensive side may face limitations as the conflict continues.