Retired generals break down Iran war strategy after week 5

[0:00] How is the military focusing this search, [0:04] especially as Iran has not been able [0:07] to locate this crew member? [0:11] Anytime there are operations, air operations, [0:14] you have HC-130 cargo aircraft [0:18] that are search and rescue with Blackhawks [0:21] flying in rotation, ready to go in literally, [0:24] I mean, within minutes of there being a problem. [0:27] And then of course, those aircraft [0:29] which are very slow moving and they fly very low, [0:31] they are also escorted by fighters. [0:34] So it's something where the response [0:36] to be able to find an American pilot [0:39] would be extensive and immediate. [0:41] And of course, my thoughts, of course, [0:43] are with the pilots and their families, [0:45] as well as the entire rescue team [0:48] and their families as well, [0:50] because they're all in harm's way [0:51] as they try to safeguard this remaining American [0:55] of fighting for a man. [0:58] We had some really important reporting here [1:01] on CNN. [1:01] Last night, by Natasha Bertrand and team [1:05] about Iran's capabilities [1:08] and just how capable they are [1:10] when it comes to launching missiles and drones. [1:14] And I think that if you are an American [1:17] who has been listening to the rhetoric [1:19] of this administration, [1:20] it might surprise you to know that yes, [1:23] Iran has, I mean, certainly suffered in its capabilities, [1:27] but it still has a considerable amount of them. [1:30] What does this, [1:31] this event tell us about Iran's capabilities? [1:38] I think it tells us more about what the administration [1:41] is saying in terms of, [1:43] to the extent of exaggerating certain factors. [1:46] It's important to understand that while [1:48] the offensive capabilities of Iran [1:50] have been greatly diminished, [1:52] they have substantial ability to still strike out [1:56] at its neighbors and to strike out at our military bases. [2:00] On top of that, their ground capability, [2:03] to be able to go in and occupy anything [2:05] is quite frankly, massive. [2:08] And having several thousand airborne [2:11] or light infantry soldiers are not going to be sufficient [2:15] against the Iranian army. [2:17] We do have the strongest military on the planet. [2:19] The reality is we have to be able to be thoughtful [2:22] in how we would do any kind of an operation [2:25] if it was to involve ground forces. [2:28] What is the psychological effect on this event [2:32] for U.S. forces? [2:33] And also for the American public? [2:36] For the U.S. military, it's a very sad, [2:42] but it's an essential part of quite frankly, [2:44] the why we serve. [2:46] We serve to defend the constitution, [2:49] to defend the American people, [2:51] to implement and to execute the lawful orders [2:54] of our leaders to the best that we can. [2:56] And so obviously it hurts significantly [2:59] to lose an aircraft or to lose a fellow airman. [3:02] And at the same time, [3:04] people are dedicated to the military. [3:06] They're dedicated to the cause and they will persevere. [3:08] In terms of the American public, that's a different story. [3:12] It will vary according to their beliefs [3:14] in the administration and then how close they are [3:17] to military families as well. [3:19] I just hope that everybody is united [3:21] in supporting our military and their families. [3:25] Yeah, certainly hoping that they are united in that. [3:29] General, we do have some new video [3:31] and this is coming from Iranian state-run media showing [3:37] Iranians looking for, [3:40] I don't know if it's just this remaining [3:44] unrecovered crew member or if this was at the point [3:47] when both had been unaccounted for, [3:50] but the point is that they're really incentivizing people [3:53] to go out and look. [3:57] They have been offering a reward for anyone [4:00] who might capture one of these Americans. [4:05] What are your concerns here? [4:10] It does not surprise me that the Iranian regime [4:13] is incentivizing people to look, [4:15] the local population to look. [4:17] I am somewhat encouraged by the, [4:19] at least the official releases have said, [4:22] do not harm the pilot, make sure that he is kept safe. [4:26] And so those are very encouraging words in the event [4:29] that the Iranian people find this individual first. [4:33] As we know, when we lost pilots in North Vietnam, [4:38] they were not always treated that way whatsoever. [4:40] They were many times tortured, beaten, and so on. [4:43] So let's hope that if that pilot is captured, [4:46] that he is treated under the rules of the Geneva Convention, [4:50] which of course is a bottom line, [4:53] important baseline for all American military members. [4:56] There are a lot of scenarios that come to mind here, Boris. [4:58] But as you can see, this of course, [4:59] is the ejection seat right here. [5:01] It appears to have some damage associated with it. [5:03] This would be consistent with an explosion [5:06] that would be a natural part of the actual ejection. [5:10] So basically, this is the ejection seat. [5:10] So basically, these have an explosive charge. [5:12] These ejection seats have an explosive charge underneath them. [5:15] And that forces, that explosive charge, when activated, [5:19] forces the person that's sitting in the seat [5:22] up out of the aircraft. [5:24] And then that's when the parachutes are deployed [5:26] and things like that happen. [5:27] So this is not inconsistent with a safe ejection. [5:33] And it's something that is definitely survivable from that, [5:37] assuming that the impact and everything was, as we see here, [5:40] where everything is kind of right side up in this case. [5:43] Yeah. [5:44] When it was initially reported, [5:45] state media in Iran suggested that this was an F-35 stealth [5:49] fighter jet. [5:50] But upon closer inspection of some of the photos [5:54] of the wreckage, analysts have since determined [5:57] that this is more likely an F-15. [5:59] It's more consistent with the makeup of an F-15. [6:01] Yeah. [6:02] People understand. [6:02] Yeah, that is absolutely right. [6:04] So you basically look at the type of metal that is used [6:07] in this particular case. [6:08] You look at the markings. [6:10] And you look. [6:10] You look at the way in which all of this is, you know, [6:14] printed in, stenciled in here and the type of rivets [6:17] that you see. [6:18] All of that is consistent with an F-15. [6:20] It is definitely not an F-35. [6:23] And that is important because an F-15 is not a stealth aircraft. [6:27] The F-35 is a stealth aircraft. [6:29] It's harder to detect, almost impossible for standard radar [6:33] to detect the F-35. [6:34] F-15 can be detected by radar. [6:36] Yeah, if it were an F-35, I imagine [6:38] that it would symbolize a different capacity [6:40] for Iran's military, whereas this does not. [6:44] I do want to get your thoughts on the video that was geolocated [6:49] by CNN showing a plane flying low over the ground [6:53] while two helicopters are nearby. [6:55] It's believed to be part of the rescue operation. [6:58] Walk us through what's happening. [6:59] Yeah, so what you see here is there's a refueling aircraft. [7:03] That's a C-130, an HC-130. [7:05] And that's designed to refuel helicopters like this. [7:09] These are probably the H-13s. [7:10] These are the H-60 helicopters that are being used [7:13] by the Air Force's search and rescue capability. [7:16] There's a search and rescue unit that's [7:18] out of the First Special Operations Wing [7:20] that could possibly be involved in this. [7:23] And these aircraft are designed to extend the range [7:27] of the helicopters so they can go further [7:30] into the area that we have here. [7:33] So when you look at the area that you see here, [7:37] this is in southwestern Iran called Khuzestan. [7:40] This is the area where this is most likely to have occurred. [7:45] And it is an area where they would have had the capability [7:50] to refuel even in Iranian airspace so that that could [7:54] then extend their range into other parts of Iran if necessary. [7:58] Put this into context for us, [8:00] because even if it is an F-15 and not an F-35, [8:03] there is still some symbolism to draw from this, [8:06] especially because just a few nights ago, [8:08] you had the President of the United States [8:10] shouting the U.S. military's ability [8:12] to destroy Iran's offensive capability. [8:15] We've heard the Defense Secretary talking about [8:16] dominion over the skies of Iran. [8:19] This contradicts that to a degree. [8:22] To a degree it does, yeah. [8:23] And so you see, when you look at all of these strikes [8:26] right here, there's a considerable amount of effort [8:29] that was put into this, so there's no doubt [8:32] that basically thousands of strike sorties [8:34] were flown against western Iran, southern Iran, [8:37] and of course the area around Tehran. [8:38] And when you look at the concentration rate [8:40] here of strikes in this area, [8:43] and then you look at the types of strikes [8:45] that were done here in the western part of the country [8:48] and in the central part of the country, [8:50] you can see that there are a lot of areas [8:53] that have been hit, and of course the Iranians [8:55] are doing the same thing over here in Israel as well. [8:58] But, having said all of that, the key thing is this. [9:01] No matter how often you strike at targets like this, [9:05] there are still capabilities that are existent [9:07] within the Iranian arsenal. [9:09] CNN reporting had a report [9:10] that Iran has at least half of the missile forces [9:13] that were believed to have existed before the war [9:16] still in existence right now, and one of the reasons [9:18] for that is the way that they can disperse these forces. [9:21] They have them on mobile launchers, [9:23] they have them on trucks basically that go all over the place [9:26] that are harder to detect, [9:27] and plus they bury them underground. [9:29] So they have these hardened tunnels [9:31] that are designed specifically [9:33] to survive these kinds of attacks. [9:35] Iran has been preparing for this kind of a war [9:38] for a very long time, and we're seeing [9:40] the results of that preparation. [9:41] It doesn't mean that they're winning, [9:43] but what it does mean is that they have a capability [9:45] to not only fight back, but they have a capability [9:49] to down some of our aircraft if we're not careful [9:52] and the proper defenses aren't dispersed [9:55] by the aircraft itself. [9:56] F-15 does have the capability to disperse [10:00] some defensive chaff, for example, [10:02] which is like aluminum foil coming out of the aircraft, [10:05] but be that as it may, they can do a lot of damage [10:09] to aircraft like that, [10:10] especially if it's a heat-seeking missile [10:12] as opposed to a radar. [10:13] Let's bring Spider Marks in. [10:14] Does it feel to you, General, [10:17] that it's moving in this direction [10:19] to put boots on the ground? [10:22] Well, I certainly hope not, but first, [10:23] I feel like I may be on the wrong panel. [10:25] We're talking Belushi and daycare. [10:30] You're on the right panel, I can assure you. [10:32] I can assure you. [10:33] It's dialed in. [10:34] You are dialed in. [10:35] And we want to get your military perspective, [10:38] especially when it comes to the boots on the ground, [10:40] because that is something that obviously [10:43] would be a big escalation [10:44] and would put a lot of American soldiers in harm's way. [10:46] Do you see that happening? [10:48] Yeah, Pamela, the deal is, [10:50] is we've got two Marine Expeditionary Units showing up [10:54] in the course of a few days. [10:55] You'll have about, that's about 5,000-plus. [10:58] Then you have the 82nd Airborne, [10:59] elements of the 82nd that are on call. [11:02] Some elements have already been in theater, [11:03] so let's just give them a round number of about 10,000. [11:07] That would be an insignificant number of troops [11:10] in order to either go ashore north of the Straits [11:14] and try to clear out that element [11:16] of the Zagros Mountains. [11:17] Could it be done? [11:18] Oh, yeah, I mean, the Marine Corps and the, [11:20] look, I grew up in that space. [11:22] We can do that, we can do that. [11:23] But is that what you want to do in that type of an environment [11:26] with the risks of the Iranians maybe turning that [11:29] into what we call a dirty battlefield with chemicals? [11:32] I mean, nobody has ever lined up, [11:34] and I was Mr. WMD when we went to war in Iraq, [11:37] and nobody has ever dialed down what Iran's capacity is [11:41] to deliver either biological weapons or chemical weapons. [11:45] That would be a nasty, dirty environment. [11:48] CENTCOM is playing through all that. [11:50] They are planning for that. [11:52] But boots on the ground would be for what particular purpose? [11:55] And what I hear is securing the highly enriched uranium. [11:59] My first question is, how much do they have? [12:02] Do we have a good sense of that? [12:04] I grew up in the intelligence, and we can get it wrong. [12:07] And, oh, by the way, where is it? [12:09] It's just not necessarily in Esfahan, Natanz, or Fordow. [12:12] It could be in somebody's backyard [12:14] or on the back of a truck migrating. [12:15] Actually, on that note, I want to play this sound from Trump. [12:19] On that note, just hold your thoughts [12:21] and then talk about it on the other side really quick. [12:23] Let's listen to this. [12:26] Oh, actually, this is what he said. [12:28] This is what he told, I believe, Reuters. [12:30] He said, in terms of the enriched uranium, [12:33] that's so far underground, I don't care about that. [12:35] We'll always be watching it by satellite. [12:37] And he said Iran was incapable of developing a weapon now. [12:41] What do you think about that? [12:43] Let me go to the second part of that statement. [12:45] I agree, they're probably incapable of doing that, [12:47] based on the damage that they've suffered [12:49] over the course of last summer's strikes [12:51] and what they have had to suffer through, [12:54] which is a good deal for them to suffer through it, [12:56] I think, over the course of the last month. [12:58] So what the United States, I can say with certainty, [13:02] we've delayed their ability to develop a nuclear weapon. [13:06] We will never know with certainty [13:07] until you can start to open doors, [13:09] put boots on the ground, and do it. [13:11] That's the challenge. [13:12] I talked with a former Navy intelligence official [13:15] who told me certain flights [13:17] and movements from bases, housing special forces, [13:20] indicates to him that a ground invasion, [13:22] ground mission of some kind is imminent. [13:26] What are you seeing when it comes [13:27] to the next stage of this conflict? [13:29] How strong is that possibility? [13:32] I think that's been discussed repeatedly [13:35] over the last two or three weeks, [13:38] and you have visible evidence of that. [13:40] You have the two amphibious ships, [13:43] marine amphibious ships, one of which, the USS Tripoli, [13:49] is floating right outside the Strait of Hormuz, [13:54] waiting for orders. [13:56] You have the Boxer, another amphibious ship, [13:59] prepared to go forward. [14:00] And as well, you have our Army 82nd Airborne, [14:06] which is used for immediate interdiction. [14:10] It's absolutely appropriate [14:11] if you're trying to seize an island such as Karg Island [14:15] to have the 82nd parachute in, seize the runways, [14:19] and then prepare for the amphibious assault by our Marines. [14:25] And equally, and consistent with other conversation, [14:29] when you address the special forces, [14:31] that instantaneously raises the expectation [14:36] that these specialized units, [14:40] the direction given to these specialized units [14:42] is to move as quickly as possible, [14:45] to seize the remnants of the Iranian, [14:49] uranium deposit, repositories. [14:53] So yeah, there is significant substance to this. [14:56] Now, of course, the question is [14:59] whether we will take that type of action, [15:01] and it remains to be seen. [15:03] Tonight, the conversation, the presentation by the president [15:07] perhaps will give us an idea [15:09] of what direction he seeks to take. [15:12] Yeah, we will see what the president says tonight. [15:16] The president, in an interview with a British newspaper, [15:18] published this morning, [15:19] Major General says the U.S. is considering leaving NATO [15:24] over what he says is the alliance's lackluster military support [15:28] for his war against Iran. [15:30] And the remarks, they come just as the British prime minister [15:33] says it's not the U.K.'s war, [15:35] and they won't be dragged into it. [15:37] I want you to listen to something else [15:38] that the prime minister said about NATO here. [15:42] Firstly, NATO is the single most effective military alliance [15:46] the world has ever seen, [15:48] and it has kept us safe, [15:49] safe for many decades, [15:52] and we are fully committed to NATO. [15:56] Now, Major General, I do want to kind of get [15:57] your instant analysis here, [15:59] because Trump said to the Telegraph, quote, [16:01] it's beyond reconsideration of NATO membership after the war. [16:04] I was never swayed by NATO. [16:06] I always knew they were a paper tiger, [16:09] and Putin knows that too, by the way. [16:11] So what do you make of these comments [16:13] and what the prime minister said, [16:15] what it could mean for NATO and the world? [16:19] I'll have to tell you, [16:20] all of us who have served [16:22] in any amount of time in the U.S. Armed Forces [16:26] have found ourselves in Europe, [16:30] in that part of the world, [16:31] that area of operations, [16:34] supporting the efforts of NATO [16:35] to maintain that tenuous peace [16:39] from the Second World War all the way up to now. [16:42] I think it would be extraordinarily dangerous [16:45] for peace in that region, peace in the entire world, [16:49] if the U.S. unilaterally terminated its relationship, [16:52] with NATO, which has, [16:54] to incorporate the prime minister's perspective [16:56] and statements, has been one of the most successful [17:00] relationships, security relationships, [17:03] that this world has seen historically. [17:07] If it's the president's decision to do that [17:10] and to make that unilateral decision, [17:12] there will be multiple consequences, [17:16] including a new perspective on the part of our then-former [17:22] NATO allies as to how they themselves [17:25] will stand up against aggression in Europe. [17:27] And we see every single day that aggression demonstrated, [17:32] not only what we see in Iran, which is the topic for today, [17:36] but we've got to return to that war [17:38] that has been visible in front of all of us [17:40] for at least the last four years, and that is Ukraine. [17:45] What would it take to take Karg Island? [17:51] Well, first of all, Farid, [17:52] it's great to be back with you again. [17:54] I've really enjoyed our conversations in the past, [17:57] and you're very kind. [17:58] You know, it depends. [17:59] When you talk about taking an island, [18:02] it's not just the seizure of that land mass, [18:05] it's also what you plan to do. [18:08] You know, when we're talking what's happening right now, [18:11] as you just mentioned, [18:11] there's a lot of military personnel in the area, [18:14] estimates close to 30 to 50,000, [18:17] but those are spread out all over the place. [18:19] Getting to Karg, which is far north along that coastline, [18:25] is going to take more than a Marine amphibious unit. [18:28] You know, when you're talking about a MEU, [18:32] a Marine Expeditionary Unit, [18:33] you're talking somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 soldiers. [18:37] There's two of them in the area. [18:38] That brings it to 5,000. [18:40] The Brigade, the Immediate Ready Response Brigade [18:43] of the 82nd Airborne Division has also gone in [18:48] with their tactical command post. [18:50] That adds about another 5,000. [18:52] So all told, you have about 10,000 forces, [18:55] in the area, but the question remains, [18:58] what are they going to do? [19:00] Are they going to seize an island? [19:01] Are they going to protect the coast? [19:03] Are they going to go into some of the islands [19:06] we haven't talked much about, Musa al-Tut, the tombs? [19:09] So it really, the question becomes, [19:12] what is your troop to task relationship? [19:15] What kind of things are you asking the military to do? [19:19] What is the calculation for the type of force [19:21] that should go in there? [19:23] And then once you have that, [19:24] you have to calculate not only the support [19:27] from the standpoint of intelligence and air power, [19:30] but also logistics support. [19:33] When you're looking at Karg Island, [19:34] which is very close to the shore, [19:36] there is the potential for Iran defending that [19:40] as part of what they see as an exponent, [19:43] you know, just a threat to their, [19:46] an existential threat to their country. [19:49] What about forcing open the Straits of Hormuz, [19:52] maybe by seizing tankers? [19:55] How easy would that be? [19:59] Well, to secure the mouth of the Straits, [20:03] you have to also control some of the land mass around it. [20:06] You'll hear names like Larrak or Abu Musa [20:09] or the Greater and Lesser Tombs in the Straits. [20:11] Those give you the capability to overwatch the Straits. [20:14] So you still have to have a land operation. [20:17] In terms of seizing tankers, a very difficult mission, [20:21] or escorting tankers on also a very difficult mission, [20:25] right now, I would suggest, you've overwatched the Straits. [20:27] You've overtaxed the Navy. [20:28] Because when you have two carrier strike groups in the area, [20:32] those cruisers and the destroyers [20:34] that are part of that strike group [20:36] are conducting a mission to protect the carrier [20:38] and to launch Tomahawks. [20:41] Suddenly, if you say, okay, now you also have to escort [20:44] literally hundreds of cargo ships through that strait, [20:49] you're really overtaxing the capability [20:52] of the ships in that fleet. [20:54] So again, we have to look at what are the troops [20:57] that are in a very difficult task relationship, [20:59] this time and point of the Navy. [21:01] And all of these, Farid, I can't emphasize this enough, [21:03] all of these are extremely dangerous mission, [21:05] and truthfully, Iran is not gonna roll over. [21:09] As I said, this entire attack against them [21:12] is an existential threat. [21:14] They are fighting for their territorial integrity [21:17] and their national resolve right now. [21:20] And finally, Mark, and we don't have a lot of time, [21:24] these are tactical issues. [21:25] Even if we succeed, do they, [21:28] then provide you with a strategic victory? [21:34] They don't, Farid, because I don't know [21:36] what the strategic end state is just yet. [21:39] As you pointed out so rightfully at the beginning of your show, [21:42] there are many missions that the president has named, [21:44] the kinds of things that he wants to do, [21:47] and he has been shifting back and forth [21:49] between those on multiple occasions. [21:51] A military takes individual battles, [21:54] the fight that we've been seeing with the aircraft [21:56] and the naval vessels, [21:58] and now we're including a ground force to that. [22:00] They combine all of those into an operational campaign, [22:04] all of which are directed toward achieving [22:07] the end state of the strategy. [22:09] If you don't have the end state of a strategy, [22:11] what the politicians want you to do, [22:14] and it's very succinct and it doesn't change, [22:16] it's going to be very confusing [22:18] for the men and women in uniform to execute the operations. [22:21] He says, quote, the upcoming days will be decisive. [22:24] General, from a military perspective, [22:27] what is he likely referencing here? [22:31] I think the first part, you know, I think the first part, [22:32] I think the first part of that statement [22:34] refers indirectly to the president's threat [22:39] to obliterate much of the infrastructure [22:45] within Iran on or after April the 6th. [22:49] Now, whether there's a surprise coming up [22:51] in the next few days, beginning of April, [22:55] nobody really knows. [22:57] We do have information repeated by some of your contributors [23:03] in the USS Tripoli, 1,800 of them, [23:07] plus support elements are situated outside the Strait [23:11] of Hormuz, whether that destination [23:14] of that amphibious force, which will be reinforced [23:18] by another Marine Expeditionary Unit coming from San Diego, [23:22] plus the 82nd Airborne, whether that means [23:25] the actual discussed attack on Kars Island, we don't know, [23:30] but that is a potentiality, that and or use of special forces [23:35] and increased bombardment. [23:38] Well, this morning, President Trump also scolded US allies [23:41] for not helping to keep the oil flowing [23:43] through the Strait of Hormuz. [23:45] Secretary Hexeth was asked if the US is still committed [23:47] to NATO and its collective defense, [23:49] and here's what he had to say. [23:50] As far as NATO is concerned, that's a decision [23:52] that'll be left to the president, but I'll just say, [23:56] a lot has been laid bare. [23:58] A lot has been shown to the world, [24:00] and I think that's what we need to do. [24:02] And I think that's what we need to do. [24:03] Yeah, and the president is right about our allies [24:05] and I think that's why, you know, [24:07] the questions might be a little bit of a mess [24:08] within the world about what our allies would be willing to do [24:12] for the United States of America, [24:13] when we undertake an effort of this scope [24:16] on behalf of the free world. [24:17] These are missiles that don't even range [24:19] the United States of America, [24:20] they range allies and others, [24:22] and yet when we ask for additional assistance [24:25] or simple access spacing and overflight, [24:29] we get questions or roadblocks or hesitations. [24:32] And of course, a backdrop of that is, [24:34] so forth what do you think the administration is signaling overall here well we have our allies as [24:42] you suggested who have complained loudly and vigorously that they were not consulted [24:48] regarding our commencement of this war campaign against iran i think within their citadels of [24:56] power they are concerned about the consequences of becoming too closely associated with the united [25:01] states and then there you couple that with a concern and this concern is based upon statements [25:09] made by president trump that indeed the straits of hermos might not be a critical objective on the [25:16] part of american forces and that we might based upon conditions uh that could be realized in the [25:23] next couple of days decide that we have accomplished our objectives backed off [25:28] but then instantaneously what that does is it [25:31] throws the burden of clearing the straits of hermos onto those who have the greatest need for the [25:39] resources that are coming through the persian gulf and those countries that have the greatest need [25:45] both on the east with japan and as well in western europe our nato allies that is going to be their [25:52] problem so you could argue that uh it is to our nato allies best interest right now to participate [26:01] with us [26:02] because if we back away if the united states backs away then that problem becomes insurmountable it [26:08] will either be armed conflict or perhaps more likely the imposition of huge tariffs [26:15] by iran on any ships that seek to seek passage through the straits of hermos many of which [26:22] are flagged or associated with our western nato allies how much leverage does iran have [26:28] right now when it comes to the street of her moves and are you surprised at all by [26:32] how iran is able to wield that leverage in this war gosh you gave me a simple one no [26:40] partly because this is not the first time that this has occurred certainly if we reach back gosh [26:47] 40 years or so in the 1980 to 88 iran iraq war the exact same thing took place the iranians did [26:56] not have much of a military force at that time against iraq at that time iraq was an ally of the [27:01] united states iraq was an ally of the united states iraq was an ally of the united states [27:03] as an asymmetric defense activity the iranians then decided to attack cargo cargo ships oil [27:16] ships within the persian gulf that was one powerful strategy [27:23] the u.s joined into that conflict to provide ship escort but that is extremely dangerous [27:33] and equally the challenge that might uh percolate and that is over on the red sea which is a [27:40] discussion we could have regarding the houthis and the houthi's relationship with the iranians [27:46] and whether there's going to be some synergic synergistic effort between the houthis and the [27:50] red sea and the iranians on the persian gulf to really shut down all uh petroleum commerce [27:57] uh in this um area of the this part of the world so it sounds like what you're saying is they have [28:02] a lot of leverage right now it sounds like what you're saying is they have a lot of leverage right [28:03] now you bet how on earth does this will actually come to an end general i think it could come to [28:12] an end if the united states goes through uh its diplomatic contacts let's say pakistan [28:18] china comes in people talk to the iranian government i think the iranian government is split [28:24] i think you've got a civilian political leader who's at odds with the one-star iranian irgc [28:34] designated commander i think the [28:36] Iranian commander is a hard-nosed guy who just wants to fight it out to the end. But I think the [28:42] political leaders have better sense. It may take China, Pakistan, Turkey and other countries to [28:48] persuade them to back off these extreme demands and let's get the strait open and then we'll go [28:54] from there. But I think this is a time that we've got to use our diplomacy and our maximum push. [29:01] It's interesting that you're quite optimistic about the possibility that we could see an end. [29:07] You know, you have Donald Trump essentially saying that from his perspective, regime change [29:12] is already underway. And obviously, he's pointing to the fact that you have a lot of Iran's top [29:16] leaders who, of course, were decimated and killed in that February 28th attack. I mean, [29:21] obviously, regime change takes a lot more than that. You have to sort of dismantle the entire [29:26] system. It's not just about killing leaders. And the U.S. president is also talking about the fact [29:31] that the American people are going to be killed. I mean, it's not just about killing leaders. It's [29:32] not just about killing leaders. And the U.S. president is also talking about the fact that the [29:32] Americans are negotiating or talking to other potential leaders within Iran as well. I mean, [29:38] what do we know for sure at this point? And obviously, just because the Americans are [29:42] talking to new groups of people does not mean that those people are ever going to get their [29:46] hands on the top job just in terms of being in power. Yes, that's the problem. We don't [29:53] know exactly who we're talking to. At least we in the public don't know this. I'm sure [29:58] the administration has some ideas. But this is a regime. [30:03] We've got people who are struggling to survive and get through it. And then we've got our [30:10] intermediaries, Turkey, Pakistan, hopefully China, will put pressure on the government there and the [30:19] IRGC to open up the straits, stop this crazy going after desalination plants and infrastructure [30:27] because it's going to result in a huge global catastrophe if it goes that way. But if it does go [30:33] that way, [30:33] I'm confident the United States will eventually prevail in this, that we will open up the [30:40] straits eventually. It may take quite a military operation to do it. But the end is inevitable [30:49] against Iran, and it's not in their favor. So they should understand that this is the time. [30:54] They've made their point. They've closed the straits. Okay, now let's open it up and get back [31:00] as close as we can to business as usual and stop [31:03] threatening other nations in the region. [31:06] Because we are running out of time, I'm going to ask you two questions in one, [31:10] if I may, General. The fact that you have the US Air Force E-3 aircraft that was hit [31:16] by an Iranian missile strike, just your take on that. How serious is that? And then also, [31:23] the fact that it's taken five weeks for Houthi rebels to actually enter this conflict, [31:29] does that surprise you that it took essentially so long? [31:32] Well, it doesn't take... [31:36] It is surprising there wasn't greater action. I am concerned about the loss of the AWACS aircraft [31:43] because it indicates that we do need to strengthen our high altitude, medium altitude defenses in [31:49] the region, as well as our counter drone actions. And we need to put pressure on Russia to stop [31:54] providing them the accurate targeting information that Russia is providing. This is not the time [31:59] to coddle Russia. It's the time to talk Turkey to Russia. That is to say, stop providing the [32:06] assistance. We can do more in Ukraine. Let's get this situation resolved here in the Middle East. [32:12] And your assistance to Iran is complicating it, not helping resolve it. So, I think we need to [32:18] be strong with Russia at this point. And I do think we need to strengthen our own defenses [32:23] for our forces and deployments in the region.