Initially, Washington contemplated a swift military campaign against Iran, projected to last around 4–6 weeks. Nonetheless, the US and other global capitals are now bracing for a significantly prolonged period of turmoil.
War in Iran / © Associated Press
The US and Israeli offensive against Iran, initially envisioned as a brief military undertaking, may extend for several months.
This information comes from Axios, citing sources within the US administration and among its allies.
As per the publication's sources, Washington originally anticipated an intense military action lasting approximately 4-6 weeks. However, the US, along with other capitals worldwide, is currently preparing for a much more extended crisis.
Journalist Barak Ravid conveyed that a minimum of three sources from the US government and allied nations suggest that instability in the Middle East, along with US involvement, could persist until September, even in the event of a reduction in the intensity of combat.
Simultaneously, Israel, according to sources, is planning at least an additional three weeks of attacks on thousands of more targets within Iran.
Trump's position
US President Donald Trump stated that the American attacks have already inflicted considerable damage upon Iran.
“We have virtually annihilated Iran. They possess no navy, no air defense capabilities, no air force – everything is demolished. Their sole remaining option is to engage in minor harassment, such as deploying mines in the sea,” he remarked during a phone discussion with a Financial Times journalist.
The White House highlights that the operation, codenamed “Epic Fury,” was the culmination of several months of strategic planning.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly reported that the president was furnished with a comprehensive array of options and meticulously weighed the perspectives of his advisors before arriving at a final decision.
Doubts in the administration
Concurrently, certain individuals within Trump's inner circle started voicing concerns regarding the prudence of an attack on Iran.
According to one official, some team members harbored reservations, suggesting that the choice to commence the operation may have been an error.
An individual affiliated with the administration disclosed that certain senior officials desired additional time for deliberation or fundamentally opposed the strikes.
“Ultimately, he declared, 'I simply want to proceed with it,'” the source revealed.
As per the source, Trump might have overestimated the likelihood of swiftly toppling the Iranian government without deploying ground forces.
The publication further observes that the US president was self-assured in his capabilities following a succession of prior swift military engagements, which, in his view, underscored the efficacy of the American military.
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To reiterate, Trump appealed to nations that import petroleum via the Strait of Hormuz to participate in the US-led endeavor against Iran to reopen it. The head of the White House underscored that since the US does not rely on this petroleum, the primary consumers should spearhead the campaign for unrestricted transit, with Washington offering assistance solely.
Trump also cautioned that NATO's future could be jeopardized should allies fail to contribute to safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as the conduit for the majority of oil reaching China and Europe. He urged Beijing and its collaborators to provide minesweepers and personnel, given that the United States is less dependent on that particular route. Trump stands ready to postpone a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to exert pressure and threatens further offensives against Iran's oil infrastructure.
It is worth noting that, according to Axios, Trump is formulating an international alliance to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and intends to announce its formation this week. Sources also indicate that the American leader is contemplating a drastic measure involving the seizure of the oil terminal on Kharq Island, necessitating the presence of US military personnel on the ground to economically subdue the Iranian regime in the event of a sustained tanker blockade.