Votel: Iran strikes could exhaust U.S. interceptors before ending war

U.S. military leadership is weighing the strategic value of a new bombing campaign against Iran, but former commanders warn that air power alone may not stop the conflict. Retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, who led U.S. Central Command from 2016 to 2019, told NPR that fresh strikes could weaken Iranian capabilities but are unlikely to end the war.

Votel, now the chair of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, noted that many probable targets have already been hit. He said Iran has demonstrated the ability to rebuild these assets. While strikes can buy time and punish Tehran, they have not yet altered the Iranian government's calculations on the war's trajectory.

The general stated that Washington must define a specific end state before launching new operations. He identified two primary goals: resolving the nuclear enrichment issue and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Votel argued that military, economic, diplomatic, and information pressure must all target these specific outcomes rather than relying on force alone.

Economic pressure shows the most visible progress, according to Votel. He cited reports that Iran's ghost fleet has run out of oil due to blockades and sanctions. Although 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.

Votel acknowledged that U.S. aims have been difficult to interpret publicly. He described the principal worries as the nuclear program and regional instability caused by proxies, including the Houthis. However, he maintained that Hormuz and enrichment remain the central strategic concerns.

On military readiness, Votel said American offensive power in the region is substantial and not in question. The potential constraint is missile defense. He noted that earlier reporting described heavy pressure on defensive interceptors protecting U.S. forces and regional partners. Votel assessed that while offensive capability is sufficient, defense may face limitations if strikes continue.

He concluded that bringing Iran to the negotiating table requires a clear statement of objectives and a coordinated use of all national power tools. The strategy demands patience to see the approach through, ensuring that military actions align with a defined political goal.