US will not win Iran war from the air, Trump’s ex-defence chief warns

Former US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has warned that increased bombing will not force Iran to change its behaviour, as President Donald Trump vows to intensify air strikes. In an interview with the Financial Times, Esper said the United States cannot win a war with Iran through air power alone. He argued that Tehran’s leadership is unlikely to back down under sustained aerial attacks, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the current military strategy. The warning comes as the president signals a more aggressive approach, but Esper’s comments suggest that without a broader plan, victory remains out of reach.