Former CENTCOM Deputy: US Could Dismantle Iranian Regime in Hours
Retired Vice Admiral Bob Harward warns that a U.S. air campaign could "wipe out" the Iranian regime’s core in just hours. Harward outlines a swift strategy to dismantle IRGC leadership and neutralize missile threats as the U.S. maintains its largest regional military buildup since 2003.
Retired Vice Admiral Bob Harward, former Deputy Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that the United States possesses the capability to "wipe out" key elements of the Iranian Islamic Regime in a matter of hours through an intense air campaign involving "hundreds of strikes per day."
Harward highlighted the significant buildup of US military assets in the Middle East, noting that current technological and operational advancements enable a far more rapid and overwhelming assault compared to previous conflicts. This scale, he explained, would allow for swift targeting and dismantling of critical regime components, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leadership, headquarters, and facilities, rather than engaging in a drawn-out operation.
He outlined a potential "bottom-up" strategy: Initially prioritizing the neutralization of immediate threats, such as strategic missile sites and launchers, to safeguard US forces and allies like Israel. This would be followed by strikes on IRGC command structures to erode the regime's capacity to suppress its domestic population or extend its influence regionally.
Harward stressed that any such operation would focus on regime-enabling targets to minimize broad damage to civilian infrastructure, emphasizing precision to avoid widespread harm.
The comments come as the US continues its largest military presence in the region since 2003, with no strikes imminent according to CNN, though many believe this war is coming, sooner than later, possibly even starting this weekend.