Former Air Force secretary questions 'advice' Trump received before starting Iran war

Former US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has warned that President Donald Trump's war with Iran could persist for another six months, potentially transforming into another lengthy military entanglement in the Middle East. Panetta, speaking to The Guardian, emphasized the "terrible stalemate" between the US and Iran, leaving limited avenues to bring the conflict to an end.

He stressed that the situation could morph into another "forever war in the Middle East," mirroring the protracted conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Panetta cautioned that President Trump is "boxed in," having few choices to conclude the war without appearing defeated. The three potential paths include withdrawal, acknowledging the war's failure—an outcome Panetta deemed unlikely given Trump's reluctance; continuing the stalemate with intermittent attacks, where neither side yields; or gaining control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which Iran considers its most crucial leverage due to its potential to disrupt global trade.

Panetta argued that reopening the strait should be the primary objective for the US to secure a "winnable" situation. He criticized Trump for his repeated assertions of an imminent deal and an open Strait of Hormuz, which Panetta contended have undermined the President's credibility and diminished the impact of future warnings. Additionally, Panetta lamented the growing public skepticism towards Trump's handling of the conflict, citing recent polls indicating a decline in confidence in his management of the war.

The former defence chief also expressed concern over the state of US troops in the Iran conflict, highlighting issues such as prolonged deployments, deteriorating living conditions, and mental health challenges. Panetta urged the Pentagon to learn from the experience and ensure troops are not indefinitely stationed in war zones without proper rotation plans.