Former US Security Advisor: US-Iran Conflict Enters New Phase of War

Retired General H.R. McMaster, former US National Security Advisor, affirmed in an interview with CBS News that the war between the United States and Iran has not concluded but has instead entered a new phase.

McMaster, who served during President Donald Trump's first term, explained that the situation was unsustainable, particularly due to the differing interpretations each party had of the memorandum of understanding.

He elaborated, "If we look only at the first clause, it aimed to grant Iran a role or voice in Lebanon's affairs, which should never have happened. Currently, we are witnessing American mediation facilitating direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, excluding Hezbollah from the process."

McMaster identified the core issue as the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's belief that it can exert coercive influence necessary to pressure Gulf states and the US by controlling the strait.

He confirmed that Gulf countries were the actual targets during the past week, noting that the two ships attacked were a Saudi oil tanker and another carrying Qatari natural gas exports. "What they seek is to create a rift in relations between the US and Gulf states," he added.

The former advisor further explained that Iran aims to monopolize control over the Strait of Hormuz while rebuilding its missile and drone capabilities. He estimated that Iran has recovered nearly 50% of the missile stockpile it had at the start of the war.

McMaster continued, "The Iranians believe they currently hold a significant advantage because they doubt President Trump’s willingness to continue the campaign against them, especially with the upcoming midterm elections and concerns over the economy and fuel prices. However, I believe they are mistaken."

He pointed out that Iran has passed every opportunity provided by President Trump to resolve the crisis. Despite Trump's preference for reaching an agreement and his desire to make a deal, McMaster believes that due to Iran’s obstinance and deliberate humiliation of Trump regarding the agreement, they will face severe consequences again.

According to sources, Israel provided Washington with information about an Iranian plan to assassinate President Trump.

McMaster added, "What we are witnessing now is, as I have said before, an extension of a war ongoing for 47 years with Iran. In fact, Iran is the party waging this war against us. Therefore, we are nowhere near ending this war; rather, we are entering a new phase, which can be described as a ceasefire phase within the long-standing war with Iran."

He elaborated, "At its core, the war is a struggle of wills, and I believe this is where Iran feels a certain boldness; they think they hold the upper hand. Although I believe they are wrong, this explains why the war continues and evolves through different stages."

McMaster asserted that victory is not limited to conducting effective military operations but also involves convincing the enemy that it has been defeated, a condition that has not yet been achieved. He emphasized that the US is dealing with leadership that adheres to a revolutionary ideology, having witnessed the deaths of many of their leaders and the impact of effective military operations on their capabilities and resources.

The former US National Security Advisor expressed doubt about any imminent negotiated settlement, stressing the necessity for the US to impose extremely high costs on the Iranian regime to convince it of its defeat. He predicted that a state of vigilance and caution will prevail over the next two years.

While diplomacy continues, the US is preparing for potential strikes against Iran.