Politico: The US-Israeli operation against Iran may last 100 days
Politico reported, citing an internal Pentagon document, revealed that military planning for a war on Iran is taking a long-term escalatory direction, far exceeding the initial estimates that were talking about a few weeks.
According to the document, US Central Command has requested additional support for a confrontation that lasts at least 100 days, with operations likely to continue until September.
The document obtained by Politico refers to a formal request from Central Command to deploy more military intelligence officers to its headquarters in Tampa, Florida, specifically to support operations against Iran for at least 100 days.
This request reflects a fundamental shift in the nature of war, while President Donald Trump had previously proposed a 4-5 week time frame for the strikes to be completed, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Wednesday amended the timeline to extend operations to eight weeks.
However, according to the document, an internal planning is moving toward a much longer war, lasting at least three months, suggesting that military objectives may be deeper and broader than previously announced.
The leaks come at a time when the war is entering its second week, amid a mutual escalation.
Since last Saturday morning, Iran has been subjected to continuous US-Israeli attacks, which have so far resulted in the death of many military leaders, led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in addition to civilian casualties and the targeting of infrastructure deep inside the country; Tehran, on the other hand, asserts that it won’t back down.
In related context, the deputy commander of the Iranian Armed Forces, Khatam al Anbiya Central Headquarters, brigadier general Kioumars Heydari, said that Iran has decided to break the thorn in the United States and doesn’t care how long the war lasts.
This statement reflects Iran’s readiness for a long war of attrition, which increases the likelihood that the region will enter an open conflict spiral.
Back to the document, the extended time may mean that the goal isn’t only to strike a passing strike, but to dismantle Iran’s major military capabilities (ballistic missiles, nuclear program, command networks), which requires a systematic and lengthy air campaign.
The 100-day plan transforms the war from a raid to a military campaign, as this gives room to test the Iranian military’s resilience and response, while at the same time testing the patience of allies and the ability of the US economy to afford an estimated cost of $1 billion a day, according to previous reports.
Extending the war until September means that it enters the hot summer months, with the complexity of the humanitarian and regional situation.
It also sends a message to allies and adversaries that Washington is committed to a confrontation that may protract and isn’t looking for a quick walk.
The leaked Politico document paints a darker picture than expected, as what began to look like a limited offensive is turning into a protracted confrontation in domestic American planning that could last until the end of the summer.
As Iran raises its challenges, the region looks set ahead for difficult months, in which civilians, sports, and daily life won’t be spared the fallout.
