Former US defence secretary Leon Panetta warned that the United States is locked into an “unwinnable war” with Iran, arguing that military action has no clear objective, strategy or end point. His comments matter because they highlight concerns that the conflict could become prolonged despite claims of progress, while failing to achieve a lasting political settlement.

Panetta said the Iranian regime remains in place and that bombing alone cannot deliver regime change or resolve the underlying causes of conflict. He has also questioned shifting US justifications for the war, which have included preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon and responding to alleged threats, and warned that both sides face exhaustion without a credible diplomatic route out.