Votel: New Iran strikes weaken targets but lack clear end goal

Retired Army General Joseph Votel stated that a new wave of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran will likely reduce the country's military capacity, 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 noted that many likely targets have already been hit in previous rounds, and Iran has demonstrated the ability to rebuild them. According to Votel, strikes serve to buy time, punish Tehran, and degrade specific capabilities. However, he said these actions have not yet altered Tehran’s strategic calculations regarding the war's trajectory.

Votel identified a lack of clear objectives as a primary issue. He argued that Washington must define the end state and establish how the war will be declared finished. In his view, this definition centers on two main points: the issue of uranium enrichment and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Once those goals are set, Votel said, military, economic, diplomatic, and informational pressure must work together. He described military force as only one component of national power. He pointed to the financial sector as showing the most visible progress, citing reports that Iran’s ghost fleet of oil tankers has run out of supply due to sanctions and blockade efforts.

The general acknowledged that U.S. aims have been difficult to interpret. He said the primary concerns are reopening the Strait of Hormuz to allow oil and commerce to flow freely, which would help lower gas and diesel prices in the United States. The second major concern is Iran's nuclear program. Votel also mentioned that Iran uses proxies, including the Houthis, to create regional instability, but he labeled Hormuz and enrichment as the principal worries.

To bring Iran to the negotiating table, Votel stressed the need for a clear statement of objectives and a coordinated use of tools. He said the U.S. military is well positioned to continue strikes while defending Gulf bases and partners. He stated that offensive capability is sufficient, but noted that missile defense may face constraints as interceptors are used to protect forces and infrastructure.