The US has expanded its strikes on Iranian military targets, hitting facilities along the Gulf coast and near Tehran as it seeks to weaken Iran's ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In this interview, retired British Army officer and former UK Ministry of Defence Middle East adviser Lt Gen Sir Simon Mayall explains what he believes is driving Washington's strategy. He says the US campaign is focused on three objectives: pressuring Tehran politically, securing the Strait of Hormuz, and degrading Iran's command, surveillance and missile capabilities. Mayall argues a large-scale US ground invasion remains unlikely, though limited operations remain an option. He says lasting success would mean Iran abandoning its nuclear ambitions, respecting freedom of navigation, and acting as a responsible regional power. Mayall also believes Israel is showing restraint for political and strategic reasons, while warning that Gulf states' patience with Iran may be wearing thin.
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