Former US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Warns of Iran Conflict
A former American official stated that the military struggle between Washington and Tehran has reached an impasse, drawing attention to new risks.
Former US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta reported that clashes between the United States and Iran could last for another six months and carry the risk of turning into a protracted war in the Middle East.
Process Development of the Clashes
The process that began with US and Israel attacks on Iran on February 28 continued intermittently following the ceasefire declared in June. While both sides attempted to exert pressure through military and economic measures, peace talks reached a standstill.
Endless War Concern
Evaluating the situation to The Guardian newspaper, Leon Panetta emphasized that the parties could not find a clear way out and that the current picture could evolve into a structure resembling the failed examples in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Possible Paths for President Trump
Stating that US President Donald Trump has three different options ahead of him, Panetta conveyed that the first of these is to accept the failure of the war, though this possibility appears low.
Strategic Strait and Embargo
Proposing the seizure of control of the Strait of Hormuz as a third option, the former secretary argued that this move could eliminate Iran's biggest card used to disrupt global trade.