Votel: New Iran Strikes Buy Time

Retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel said a new wave of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran will likely weaken the country but will not end the war. Votel, who led U.S. Central Command from 2016 to 2019, spoke with NPR's Leila Fadel on October 23 about the potential impact of post-election airstrikes. He noted that many targets have already been hit and that Iran has proven it can rebuild them.

According to Votel, strikes serve to buy time, punish Tehran, and degrade capabilities, but they have not yet changed Iran's calculation on the war's trajectory. He warned that the U.S. must define a specific end state before launching fresh attacks. In his view, that end state requires resolving the nuclear enrichment issue and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Votel argued that military force is only one component of a successful strategy. He said Washington must coordinate military, economic, diplomatic, and information efforts toward a single objective. He pointed to the financial sector as the area showing the most progress. He cited reporting that Iran's so-called ghost fleet has run out of oil, a result of the current blockade and sanctions.

The general acknowledged that U.S. aims can be difficult to interpret. He identified two primary concerns: reopening the Strait of Hormuz to ease gas and diesel prices at home, and curbing Iran's nuclear program. He also noted that Iran uses proxies, including the Houthis, to create regional instability, but he described Hormuz and enrichment as the principal priorities.

On the readiness of the U.S. military, Votel said 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 and regional partners face heavy pressure, suggesting that defense may be the area facing the most limitations.