Former CENTCOM Deputy Robert Harward: Iran Is Playing For Time

Washington: As Washington weighs military pressure against diplomacy, President Donald Trump has paused plans for a major strike on Iran while negotiations continue over the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran's nuclear program. Both Tehran and Washington say talks are progressing, but no agreement has yet been reached.According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward, a former Navy SEAL who served as deputy commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), shared insights on how Iran may be interpreting the current diplomatic situation. Harward believes Iran is playing a long-term strategic game, viewing the delay in US military action as an opportunity to negotiate and potentially outlast President Trump's term. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) holds significant decision-making power in Iran, and Harward suggests that they believe time is on their side.Harward noted that the US administration may have underestimated the need to integrate all elements of national power-poli tically, economically, and militarily-to address the situation with Iran. Initially, the focus was heavily on military power, which did not yield the desired results. Now, there is a shift towards greater political leverage, as evidenced by international discussions and collaborations with Arab countries and other allies.The US is applying political pressure with strategies such as Saudi participation in strikes, agreements to disarm Hezbollah, and coalitions to secure the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump believes that economic pressure on Iran will eventually force compliance with US demands regarding the Strait and Iran's nuclear program.Despite arguments from some military analysts that Iran has incentives to de-escalate, Harward emphasizes that the IRGC views any concession as a threat to their survival. The leadership is unwilling to show weakness due to the potential for internal accountability and the risk of losing power.Harward also highlighted miscalculations by outside observers regarding Ir an's leadership. He pointed out the opportunity to leverage internal dissent within Iran, as many of the country's citizens desire a change in government. While President Trump has acknowledged this, Harward notes a lack of policy or programs to fully capitalize on this opportunity.The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) serves as a cautionary example, where Iran complied with guidelines but simultaneously developed capabilities to become a nuclear-armed state. Harward warns that any agreement with Iran should not be perceived as eliminating the long-term threat Iran poses.Drawing from personal connections in Iran, Harward shared that ordinary Iranians remain hopeful yet insistent on the need for a change in government. They aspire for a future where Iran's resources are used for the well-being of its people, rather than for extending the Islamic Revolution. Iranians are looking towards the US to continue its efforts towards achieving this end.