October 2024 — Former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has expressed his concerns over Israel’s potential response to a missile barrage launched by Tehran earlier this week, warning that any Israeli military action would be a “significant strike” with far-reaching consequences. In a Friday interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Esper outlined potential scenarios, including strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and command centers, and even a push for regime change.
Esper’s comments come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, as Israel nears the one-year mark in its war against Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza. After Iran retaliated with missile strikes for Israel’s killing of top Hezbollah leaders and an incursion into Lebanon, the region appears to be teetering on the edge of a broader conflict.
“If y wants to go after regime change, I think I’ll go into Tehran and go after Ayatollah Khomeini, President [Masoud] Pezeshkian, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),” Esper remarked. He noted that Israel’s military would need to neutralize Iran’s command and control infrastructure to prevent any organized response from the Iranian regime.
Beyond regime change, Esper suggested that Israel might focus on Iran’s military capabilities, including nuclear facilities such as those in Fordow and near Tehran. However, he cautioned that such operations could come at a high cost, with the possibility of losing personnel, particularly if IDF launches deep incursions into Iranian territory.
In discussing potential risks, Esper acknowledged the challenge of civilian casualties, noting that an attack on the regime could galvanize domestic support for Iran’s leadership. “What you don’t want to do is to have Iranian people rally around that regime, particularly since it’s so fragile right now,” he said.
President Biden has expressed opposition to Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil or nuclear sites, but GOP defense hawks have voiced their disagreement, especially after Iran’s missile barrage. Esper, however, emphasized that if Israel chooses to escalate, it will need U.S. support for resupply and assistance, particularly in terms of munitions.
Esper also discussed potential economic targets that Israel might pursue, including Iran’s oil refining and manufacturing infrastructure. He pointed to a dozen key facilities along Iran’s Gulf Coast as likely objectives for any retaliatory strikes.
When asked if Israel could manage the risks of a wider war, Esper expressed confidence in its capabilities but reiterated that U.S. assistance would be critical. “I suspect y are [capable],” he said, but added, “We would need to be re to support m in different ways.”
Esper’s remarks also highlighted a shift in regional strategic balance, as Israel’s operations have significantly weakened Hezbollah, Iran’s main proxy force in Lebanon. With both Hamas and Hezbollah severely diminished, Esper questioned how Iran could respond to an Israeli strike, aside from launching more ballistic missiles.
As the situation continues to evolve, the possibility of a broader conflict remains a pressing concern, particularly as Israel weighs its options for responding to Iran’s provocations. The coming days and weeks will likely determine where the region will experience a new escalation or where diplomatic efforts can prevent further violence. I have saved the text you provided. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to do with it.
- Netanyahu: Israel has duty and right to hit back at Iran for missile attack, will do so The Times of Israel
- Former Defense chief: Israeli attack on Iran nuclear facilities would be ‘significant strike’ The Hill
- Israel vows retaliation for Iran attack as its strikes kill 25 in Lebanon Al Jazeera English
