Leon Panetta Warns US-Iran War Risks Becoming a Middle East Forever War
Leon Panetta, the former US defense secretary, stated that the war with Iran risks becoming a "forever war" in the Middle East. Panetta noted that the United States and Iran are currently caught in a terrible stalemate with few options available to end the conflict. He predicted the war would likely continue for another six months without being resolved. Panetta also expressed concern that the current turmoil at the Pentagon and the command structure is sending a message of weakness to primary adversaries. This comes as the administration faces questions regarding the ability to implement military capabilities effectively. While the US Navy has hit over 15,000 targets in Iran, the conflict has yet to achieve a clear strategic goal. Additionally, the 82nd Airborne Division will remain deployed in the Central Command area for one year to meet operational requirements. The Navy has also extended several ships, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, which set a record deployment of 326 days. Meanwhile, Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that any future attacks against Iranian interests will receive a faster and heavier response.
Sources
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Iran war likely to drag on for another six months, ex-US defense secretary warns
The Guardian
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The Wild Way Out of the Iran War That Still Manages to Be Better Than Any Alternative
Slate Magazine
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Iran war will continue for another six months, former US defence secretary says
The Independent
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82nd Airborne soldiers have Middle East deployment extended out to a year
Military Times