Ehud Barak believes that military force alone cannot stop Iran’s nuclear program
Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak states that the belief in the possibility of solely using military action to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program was unrealistic.
Ehud Barak, the former prime minister of Israel, has contended that solely relying on military action will not suffice to eradicate Iran’s nuclear aspirations. He cautioned that the belief in the possibility of entirely dismantling Tehran’s nuclear program through force stems from unrealistic assumptions rather than a grounded understanding of strategic realities.
Speaking during the ARISE NEWS Town Hall on State Police, Barak stated that while Iran’s nuclear program represented a significant threat to the Middle East and the broader international community, certain objectives sought during recent military operations against Tehran were based on misconceptions regarding the realistic outcomes of military power. He emphasized that Iran’s resilience had been undervalued, even in light of considerable military setbacks.
“There were certain misconceptions held by decision-makers on both our side and the American side, including the belief that we would likely topple the regime, eliminate the nuclear military program, and ultimately eradicate their ballistic missiles or proxy system.” And it was an illusion.
He characterized Iran as a significant contributor to instability in the Middle East due to its nuclear program. “I believe that Iran poses a significant threat to the stability of the Middle East and, by extension, the entire world due to their nuclear military program, their attempts to develop a substantial ballistic missile capability, and their support for various proxies throughout the region, particularly Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hamas in Gaza, which they have financed and backed.”
In defending the initial military campaign against Iran’s nuclear facilities, Barak raised questions about the reasoning for the subsequent operations. “I believe that the initial assault on Iran’s nuclear program a year ago, known as the Twelve Days War, was warranted, and I find myself in agreement with that perspective.” However, the second war in February raises significant doubts due to the misconceptions held by those who initiated it.
He warned that Iran’s national resilience should not be underestimated, noting that the country’s history, strength, and ability to withstand military pressure had been ignored by strategists.
Many individuals remained clear-headed, aware of the unfolding events and the potential, and understood all along that one should not underestimate a nation like Iran. They are resilient individuals and a robust nation with a history that spans thousands of years.
He also contended that perceptions of victory varied significantly between powerful states and their opponents. “For us, for the Americans to win, we should achieve victory in a manner that resonates with every teenager across the globe, ensuring they recognize our triumph…” For the Iranians, Hezbollah, or Hamas, mere survival is sufficient. If Iran can withstand an assault from the most formidable air force in the region and the world and, after a week, remain resilient and prepared to continue the struggle, they will consider it a victory.
Barak suggests that Iranian retaliation is likely to go beyond direct confrontations with Israel or the United States, instead aiming at strategic interests throughout the Gulf region. “When Iran is attacked, its immediate response will be to cross the Hormuz Straits.”
He remarked that military planners ought to have foreseen such consequences from the beginning.
“No war game in any capital, whether in the Middle East or elsewhere, can be explained without acknowledging that it always begins with Iran.”
Barak highlighted that Iran’s regional influence has notably diminished over the last three years due to military operations targeting Hamas and Hezbollah. “It experienced significant setbacks over the past year, particularly in the last three years, when we dealt severe strikes to Hamas and then Hezbollah, resulting in substantial losses for them.”
Barak concluded that military pressure was essential in addressing Iran’s security threats. “There were certain illusions that we were likely to eliminate the nuclear military program and obliterate it, and it was indeed an illusion.”
