The Risk of a Wider Iran War

In this CBS News appearance, Elliot Ackerman examines the expanding conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, and the danger that regional escalation could become a prolonged strategic quagmire.

Military Force Without a Clear End State

Ackerman argues that military power is only one tool of foreign policy. Airstrikes and retaliation may achieve tactical effects, but they cannot substitute for a clearly defined political objective or a broader plan for ending the conflict.

Iran’s Strategy of Regional Escalation

The discussion explores how spreading instability across Iraq and the wider Middle East could strengthen Iran’s position by drawing more countries into the war and placing greater pressure on U.S. military resources and regional partners.

Can Air Power Win the War?

Ackerman explains why bombing alone is unlikely to produce a durable settlement. Lasting success requires diplomatic, political, economic, and military efforts aligned around a coherent strategy.

Watch the CBS News Segment

Originally aired on CBS News, the segment considers Iran, Israel, Netanyahu, U.S. policy, regional security, military readiness, and the challenges of preventing a wider Middle East war.