The conflict between the United States and Iran could continue for another six months and turn into another prolonged US involvement in the Middle East. The warning was issued by Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defense and former CIA director.
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In an interview with The Guardian, Panetta stated that the parties are at a dangerous impasse, where a quick resolution seems difficult. He said developments could follow the patterns of Iraq and Afghanistan, two conflicts he described as protracted and unsuccessful.
“There is a high chance that this war will continue for another six months without being resolved,” Panetta said.
According to him, US President Donald Trump faces a complicated choice, as each alternative could have severe political and military consequences.
Panetta listed three possible paths for Trump: to withdraw from the conflict by accepting the failure of the war; to allow the stalemate to continue, with sporadic attacks from both sides; or to shift to a more aggressive approach to establish control over the Strait of Hormuz and neutralize one of Iran’s main pressure tools.
The former US official said that Trump has put himself in a situation from which it is difficult to find an exit.
Panetta sees the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as the main goal that could allow the United States to end the conflict with a definitive outcome.
He stressed that Iran’s ability to block or hinder ship movements in this waterway constitutes one of Tehran’s most powerful instruments against the US and the global economy.
Panetta’s assessment is that an American victory would only be possible through a profound strategic shift, with the reopening of the strait placed at the center of Washington’s objectives.
He also expressed concern about developments at the Pentagon, mentioning the sudden resignation of US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and reports of clashes among senior defense officials.
According to Panetta, American forces are being sent to war at a time when the command structure is experiencing ‘extraordinary turmoil.’
He warned that such a situation could give US adversaries the impression that Washington is weak and unable to fully implement its military strategy.
The Pentagon has dismissed these assessments. The institution has stated it is working normally under the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Spokesman Sean Parnell called claims that the Pentagon is ‘in disarray’ unfounded.
Panetta also criticized Trump’s repeated statements that a deal to end the war is near and that the Strait of Hormuz is open.
According to him, these stances have undermined the president’s credibility, especially when the situation on the ground does not match what he publicly declares.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance has said he does not define the clash with Iran as a ‘war.’ He also admitted he does not know if the conflicts will end before the US midterm elections in November.
