Retired General: Iran Strikes Buy Time

Iran's so-called ghost fleet has run out of oil, according to recent reporting cited by retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel. The former head of U.S. Central Command stated that while this financial pressure is real, fresh U.S. and Israeli airstrikes are unlikely to end the war. Votel, who led Central Command from 2016 through 2019, now chairs the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point.

The current conflict has intensified since the start of the year. Washington and Tel Aviv have conducted multiple rounds of strikes against Iranian targets. Tehran has responded with bold counterattacks and threats, appearing more hard-line than in previous years. Despite these exchanges, the war has not reached a conclusion.

Votel told NPR that many likely targets for new strikes have already been hit. He noted that Iran has demonstrated the ability to rebuild these assets. Consequently, new attacks can punish Tehran and degrade specific capabilities, but they have not changed the country's calculus on where the war is headed.

The general argued that Washington must first define a clear end state. He identified two primary goals: resolving the enrichment issue and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He said that once these objectives are set, military, economic, diplomatic, and information pressure must align to achieve them. Military force is only one component of this strategy.

Votel pointed to the financial front as the area with the most visible progress. He said the blockade and sanctions are adding pressure, noting the ghost fleet's depletion of oil. He described this approach as slow but effective. He added that reopening Hormuz would help lower gas and diesel prices in the United States.

On the military readiness of the U.S., Votel said offensive power in the region is substantial. He stated that 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 and critical infrastructure face heavy pressure, creating a slight constraint compared to offensive capabilities.

Votel emphasized that bringing Iran to the negotiating table requires a clear statement of objectives and a coordinated use of national power tools. He said patience is necessary to see this approach through. He described the current situation as one where the U.S. aims are hard to read but center on commerce and the nuclear program.