Former IDF General Explains US Limitations on Striking Iran Ahead of Netanyahu-Trump Meeting
Ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United States for talks with President Donald Trump, retired Brigadier General Ram Aminach provided a detailed analysis of the current US strategy in the Middle East. Aminach highlighted why the US has halted its airstrikes in Iran, citing deep operational and strategic limitations. He explained that key Iranian targets, such as nuclear facilities and missile cities deeply embedded in mountainous terrain, are beyond the reach of existing US bunker-busting munitions like the GBU-57, which can penetrate only about 40 meters of rock, while Iranian sites are buried 80 to 100 meters underground.
Aminach also noted the US reluctance to damage Iran's critical economic infrastructure, including gas, oil, and power stations, due to fears of retaliatory "copycat" attacks that could cripple Gulf neighbors' oil supplies. Despite severe economic hardships in Iran, including 85% inflation and soaring food prices, Tehran projects an image of resilience, complicating US and Israeli efforts.
Regarding Netanyahu's upcoming agenda, Aminach expects a focus on Iran and Saudi Arabia. He stressed that vague US commitments to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons are insufficient, urging a clear demand that the US remove all nuclear material from Iran by force or agreement. On Saudi Arabia, Aminach observed Riyadh's pragmatic approach to Israel, motivated by its ties to Washington, though recent waning US support for Israel has weakened Saudi incentives.
Turning to Syria, Aminach tempered expectations for a full peace deal with Ahmad al-Sharaa, noting his limited authority and the likelihood of interim security arrangements. He identified a strategic window for Israel and the US to press for beneficial agreements before al-Sharaa consolidates power or Trump's term ends.
Finally, Aminach warned of the growing Turkish threat under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who leads an Islamist agenda aligned with Hamas and Qatar. Turkey's large NATO army and status as a top arms exporter make it a formidable adversary. Aminach estimated that fully preparing the Israel Defense Forces against Turkey would cost about 300 billion shekels, a budgetary challenge currently unmet. He also highlighted concerns about Qatar's financial influence on American universities and the erosion of pro-Israel allies in the US government, posing a strategic challenge for Israel's future.
The full interview with Aminach was broadcast on Kikar's military and security program.
