Former Pentagon chief says US-Iran war could last at least six more months and repeat failed Iraq and Afghanistan scenarios

Leon Panetta says the war between the United States and Iran could continue for at least another six months, raising the possibility of a prolonged Middle East conflict resembling the failed scenarios in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Panetta, a former US defense secretary who also led the CIA during Barack Obama’s administration, said he sees no quick political solution. He described the situation as dangerous not only because of the conflict itself, but also because of problems inside the Pentagon’s leadership.

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It is not surprising that the United States and Iran are in a terrible deadlock in which there are, in fact, very few options for ending this war.

His assessment followed the unexpected resignation of US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Driscoll left amid the war and reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over a series of leadership dismissals. Panetta said the US military was entering the conflict during significant turbulence in the Pentagon’s command structure, creating the impression that the institution lacked a clear decision-making center.

“My greatest concern right now is that we live in an extremely dangerous world, where the main threats come from China, Russia, North Korea, terrorism and, yes, Iran as well. But I am concerned that we are sending a signal of weakness to our main adversaries,” Panetta said.

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My greatest concern right now is that we live in an extremely dangerous world, where the main threats come from China, Russia, North Korea, terrorism and, yes, Iran as well. But I am concerned that we are sending a signal of weakness to our main adversaries.

The Pentagon rejected the criticism. Chief spokesman Sean Parnell said the department was operating at full capacity under Hegseth. He called claims of chaos at the Pentagon unfounded and insulting to the military and civilian personnel who defend the country every day, saying the personnel changes were part of a reform process.

Panetta had previously said that President Donald Trump faced two unfavorable choices: expand the war to deny Tehran leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, or withdraw and declare victory, risking that the move would be interpreted as an American failure. This week, Panetta said Trump remained trapped in the same political and military dilemma.

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The department is operating at full capacity under Hegseth.