Has US achieved its war objectives in Iran?

Has US achieved its war objectives in Iran?

Pentagon Briefings and Public Messaging

As the conflict between the US and Israel and Iran unfolded, the story of the war’s impact was shaped by the narratives emerging from the core of American military operations. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Army National Guard Major and Fox News commentator, has been delivering press briefings from the Pentagon, each one echoing a TV-style format. His speeches, from the initial reports to the most recent update following a two-week pause in hostilities, have emphasized the US military’s dominance. In one instance, he claimed the nation had secured a “capital V military victory,” while in another, he described the destruction wrought from the sky as “death and destruction all day long.”

“We have scored a capital V military victory,” Hegseth stated during a briefing.

“Death and destruction from the sky all day long,” he added in another session.

Nuclear Objectives and Diplomatic Shifts

President Trump’s primary aim in the conflict was to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear program, a goal Iran has consistently denied. However, this target had long been a focus of US-led diplomatic efforts. Trump viewed the 2015 JCPOA agreement as insufficient, leading him to withdraw from the deal and reimpose sanctions during his first term. This move marked a shift toward using military force instead of diplomacy, a strategy that later culminated in the current war. Despite claims of obliterating Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the latest assessments show that the country still holds a stockpile of nearly weapons-grade uranium.

“Iran’s nuclear capabilities were already ‘obliterated’ by our strikes,” Trump declared in a June statement.

IAEA director Rafael Grossi noted that military actions alone may not halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The administration’s plan now includes working “with Iran” to “dig up and remove all of the deeply buried… Nuclear Dust,” but Tehran’s leadership remains resolute. This defiance could influence upcoming talks in Islamabad, where the US seeks to address the nuclear issue.

Regime Change and Leadership Dynamics

Trump’s vision for the war also included toppling the Iranian government, urging citizens to seize control after the initial strikes. He pushed for “unconditional surrender” within days, yet the regime has persisted. Although Israeli actions have targeted key figures, including the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba has been named as his successor. Trump argued that the new leadership is “less radicalised and far more intelligent,” a claim that contrasts with the results seen in Venezuela, where his forces ousted President Maduro. However, similar outcomes have not emerged in Tehran.

“The new leadership is less radicalised and far more intelligent,” Trump said.

Military Costs and Evolving Goals

As the war progressed, the toll on US military resources became evident. Thirteen service members have lost their lives, with hundreds more injured. Munitions have been used rapidly, raising questions about the efficiency of the campaign. Despite these efforts, the administration’s stated objectives have shifted over time. The initial goal of regime change has not been realized, leaving the war’s outcomes uncertain. With the fragile ceasefire now under pressure, it remains unclear whether the US has made significant strides toward its strategic aims.