A former chief of the US Central Command has stated that the military campaign against Iran is progressing more swiftly than anticipated, drawing on years of strategic battle simulations.
Retired General Frank McKenzie, who has served under both Presidents Trump and Biden, expressed confidence that the joint US-Israeli airstrikes would significantly weaken Iran’s military capabilities, setting the stage for a decisive victory.
“I am convinced they will falter and eventually negotiate,” McKenzie remarked during an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”
He elaborated, “Having run numerous simulations over the years at Central Command, we find ourselves advancing more rapidly than expected at this juncture in all the scenarios I’ve reviewed.”
McKenzie highlighted that the immediate objective is to diminish Iran’s missile and drone strength through precise airstrikes, thereby loosening Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to the US and Israeli military actions, the Islamic Republic blocked this vital trade artery, which has contributed to a spike in global fuel prices and widespread shortages.
“What we’re doing right now is we’re reducing Iranian ability to target ships in the strait through their short range missiles, their drones and other activities,” McKenzie explained.
“We do that by maintaining air superiority over southern Iran on a 24/7 basis, looking for where these missiles are and striking them relentlessly,” he added. “Once we reduce those to a very low level, then you’ll be able to go in, if necessary, sweep for mines.”
The retired general noted that the US has had many years to plan for seizing the Strait of Hormuz, along with Kharg Island, which houses the bulk of Iran’s oil production.
“If you seize Kharg Island, you really can shut down the Iranian oil economy completely,” he said. “… We need to continue to press them very hard, because that is, in fact, the only thing they will respond to.”
It remains unclear how long the war in Iran might last as Tehran continues to refuse direct negotiations with the US, with its leaders demanding full compensation over the destruction of the fighting.
With the war entering its second month, Trump and team are allegedly looking to complete the operation by mid-April, which could include the deployment of ground forces deep within Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The president has maintained that the US would fulfill several goals in the war, including the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program and Tehran’s ability to control its terror network in the Middle East.
