For weeks, Washington has talked about negotiations and giving diplomacy another chance, but Gen. Hodges says the facts on the ground tell a completely different story.
The U.S launched two consecutive days of major strikes, hitting over 170 targets, and Trump himself declared the ceasefire was over.
So what exactly are we calling this?
His answer was simple: War.
We're repeatedly told Iran's military capabilities have been "obliterated," that Tehran is desperate for a deal, and then, days later, another 170 targets need to be struck.
To Gen. Hodges, those two stories don't fit together.
He also doesn't believe Washington currently has the leverage to force Iran into accepting its demands.
They know the midterms are approaching, and he doesn't see any reason Tehran would feel compelled to rush into an agreement.
That's why he thinks we're entering a prolonged period of pressure rather than resolution.
Occasional strikes, more negotiations, more military deployments, and no lasting settlement.
He also made a point that deserves far more attention.
People have been obsessing over aircraft leaving bases across the region, trying to work out whether America is preparing to leave or getting ready for another escalation.
Hodges says they're looking at the wrong indicator.
Aircraft can move overnight, but the real tell is logistics: fuel, maintenance, supply chains, and support equipment.
If that infrastructure stays in place, the capability to sustain military operations remains with it.
@general_ben
