Experts Skeptical US Strikes Can Break Iran
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- President Trump is threatening a major escalation in Iran, with mounting U.S. military signs pointing toward a return to major combat operations
- Defense experts are skeptical that an intensified air strike campaign can break Tehran—even one that destroys bridges, water facilities, and electricity plants
- The campaign's stated objective is to force tough concessions from Iran's government
- A report indicates Trump is considering restarting major combat operations in Iran outright
- Four House Republicans joined Democrats to pass an Iran war powers resolution, underscoring bipartisan congressional concern over expanded military action
Why it matters: Pentagon planning for escalation is outrunning the strategy itself—historical precedent shows infrastructure bombing rarely produces political capitulation, and the bipartisan war powers vote telegraphs that Congress may push back against any renewed major combat campaign regardless of what the White House orders.
