In an interview with NBC, former CIA Chief John Brennan stated that Iran has limited options for retaliation due to recent military strikes that have depleted some of its resources. He believes Iran has recognized that its ability to inflict damage within Israeli territory is quite limited.
Earlier, Israel launched a retaliatory action against Iran. According to unnamed high-ranking officials from the Biden administration, Israel’s attacks appear to be focused solely on military targets, steering clear of nuclear facilities or energy infrastructure that have garnered international attention.
The Washington Post reports that the scale and duration of Israel’s offensive against Iran remain unclear. However, an unnamed Israeli official discussing confidential plans indicated that Israel would not target Iran’s oil production or nuclear research sites.
During his recent visit to Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant to limit their military objectives. He emphasized that doing so could help break the cycle of retaliation and prevent an escalation into a broader war.
Two senior government officials noted that President Biden has been receiving briefings on the situation from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and is closely monitoring the developments. Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris, who is currently in Houston for a campaign event, has also been briefed on the situation.
Brennan further cautioned that if the conflict escalates, achieving any form of ceasefire in either Gaza or Lebanon will be challenging. He indicated that the ongoing escalation of conflict in the region highlights a diminishing U.S. influence.
