Trump’s Iran war could drag on for another 6 months, ex-US defense secy Leon Panetta warns; says President is ‘boxed in’

Former US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has warned that the current war between the United States and Iran could persist for an additional six months, potentially turning into another "forever war in the Middle East". The conflict began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, although a ceasefire was declared in June.

However, intermittent fighting has continued as both sides attempt to pressure each other through military action and economic measures. Panetta, in an interview with The Guardian, expressed little hope for a resolution, stating that few options exist to end the war. He cited the lack of a clear path towards peace and warned that the conflict could repeat the mistakes seen in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Panetta outlined three potential options for President Trump. The first is for Trump to admit the war is a failure, though Panetta finds this unlikely. The second option would involve continuing the current stalemate, with both sides engaging in periodic attacks without establishing a more dangerous conflict. The third possibility, according to Panetta, is for the US to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, removing Iran's most significant leverage over Washington.

This would involve taking away Iran's ability to close and disrupt this crucial global trade route. Despite recent tit-for-tat attacks, such as the US Central Command's recent strikes on Iranian tankers, a breakthrough in the conflict remains elusive.