Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes, Raising Fears of Wider Conflict
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran launched a barrage of missile and drone attacks against military bases belonging to Israel and the United States across the region Monday, sparking a significant escalation in tensions and raising concerns about a protracted conflict. Both Israeli officials and the Pentagon have confirmed casualties resulting from the strikes.
The attacks are in direct response to recent military operations undertaken by the U.S. and Israel against Iranian targets, confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The situation is drawing international attention, with global powers urging restraint as regional allies reassess their defense strategies.
While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, the retaliatory strikes signal a dangerous turn in the long-simmering Iran-Israel conflict. According to a former National Intelligence Manager for Iran, Norm Roule, a key aspect to watch is whether Iran targets energy infrastructure in the Gulf. “What we’re not seeing yet would be any efforts by the Iranians to attack energy targets in the Gulf,” Roule stated in a recent interview with The Cipher Brief. “They appear to be, as of now at least, interested in maintaining the flow of oil.”
Roule, who served 34 years in the Central Intelligence Agency, also highlighted a perceived lack of unified European support for the U.S. position. “We’re not seeing Europe stand with the United States in the same way that it has in the past,” he noted, adding that the situation echoes concerns raised last year regarding Europe’s reliance on others to address issues related to Iran.
The intensity of the Iranian response is also being analyzed. Roule pointed out that the attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been “comparatively few thus far,” suggesting a possible attempt to maintain psychological pressure over time rather than an all-out assault. He explained that a more intensive attack would likely involve a combination of missiles, drones, and cyberattacks.
The potential for regime change in Iran is also a subject of discussion. President Trump has directly addressed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), offering immunity in exchange for laying down arms, and appealed to the Iranian people, suggesting an opportunity for change. However, Roule cautioned that any shift in power must come from within Iran itself. “Regime change can only be accomplished by the Iranians themselves,” he said. He also stressed the need for maintaining some level of structure within the IRGC to prevent potential violence.
Looking ahead, Roule emphasized the importance of having an endgame in mind. “Don’t go in unless you have an end game confirmed,” he advised, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of conflict.
The situation remains fluid and highly volatile. Further developments are expected as the international community grapples with the escalating crisis.
You can watch the full interview with Norm Roule on The Cipher Brief’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYMTE5LPj60
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