US military leverage against Iran nearly gone, warns ex-Israeli air force chief

The military leverage of the United States against Iran is rapidly eroding, according to former Israel Air Force commander Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eitan Ben Eliyahu. Speaking on 103FM, Ben Eliyahu pointed to escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, and reports of a U.S. shortage in interceptor missiles.

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The Iranians operate in a way that the American president does not understand. In my opinion, he does not understand this mentality.

Ben Eliyahu discussed Iran's announcement of a near-finalized agreement with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that while an understanding exists, the specifics of Iran's control over passage, especially exit from the Gulf, remain unclear. He also highlighted a dispute over payment commissions, with Iran demanding around 7% and Oman around 3%, while the U.S. insists on no payment at all. Ben Eliyahu cautioned that reports on these matters are often inaccurate or deliberately misleading.

Addressing Iran's strategy, the former commander suggested that Tehran is employing tactics that President Trump may not fully comprehend. He described Iran's approach not as outright deception, but as a strategic move to involve Oman in the Strait of Hormuz issue. This, he explained, would create an opening under international law, allowing Iran to circumvent restrictions if it acted alone. By securing an agreement with Oman, Iran effectively ignores American objections.

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It is not exactly ‘deception.’ They raised an idea that, from their perspective, is a good one. It says: ‘Leave the Americans out of it. This is our business with the Omanis, and in this way, we will overcome the restrictions of international law, because if it is only us, then it is an absolute problem.’

Ben Eliyahu concluded that this maneuver significantly weakens Trump's military leverage, stating, "His military leverage is gradually weakening, and I would say that he is almost losing it." He questioned the effectiveness of repeated U.S. actions, suggesting that a point is reached where resilience and endurance are no longer measured by such actions.

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His military leverage is gradually weakening, and I would say that he is almost losing it.