Not destroying Iran's missiles, drones 'most significant failure,' former CENTCOM deputy cmdr. says
He stressed that any Iranian regime loyal to the Islamic Revolution "will always have the motivation to restore its capabilities," warning that this would include nuclear weapons if given the chance.
Former US Central Command (CENTCOM) deputy commander Rear-Adm. Robert Stiles Harward Jr. asserts that the inability to fully dismantle Iran's ballistic missile and drone capabilities is the war's most significant failure. These weapons remain Iran's principal means of threatening American forces, Israel, and regional countries. Harward highlights that Tehran's arsenal holds crucial power projection and pressure tools, obstructing the international community's support for the Iranian population against the regime.
He attributes the US administration's control over the operational pace in the Strait of Hormuz to strategic deception, enabling President Donald Trump to strike whenever desired. Sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department, including targeting Canadian firms aiding Iranian entities, aim to intensify pressure on Iran without resorting to a nuclear attack, which remains a last resort.
Harward emphasizes that Iran will persistently strive to restore its capabilities, even considering nuclear weapons if permitted. He cautiously encourages declaring a regime change goal to foster trust and cooperation among Middle Eastern allies. The successful removal of the Iranian threat will benefit the region, which houses 60% of the world's proven oil reserves.
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