US will not win Iran war from the air, Trump’s ex-defence chief warns
Financial Times 2026-07-16 00:46:19
Context: Former US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has warned that the United States will not be able to win a war with Iran through airstrikes alone. Esper's comments come as President Trump has vowed to step up attacks against Iran. The warning suggests that a more comprehensive strategy may be needed to address the country's behavior.
Key Facts
- Mark Esper, the former US Defence Secretary under President Trump, has stated that further bombing campaigns against Iran will not change Tehran's behavior, indicating a need for a more nuanced approach.
- Esper's comments were made in an interview with the Financial Times, where he expressed his concerns about the limitations of airstrikes in achieving a decisive victory against Iran.
- President Trump has recently vowed to step up attacks against Iran, but Esper's warning suggests that such actions may not be effective in altering the country's behavior, and that a more comprehensive strategy may be required.