Former CIA Director: Iran's Civilian Targeting a 'Big Mistake'

Former CIA Director General David Petraeus stated that Iran has made a "big mistake" by expanding its attacks beyond US bases to include civilians in the Middle East. He told Sky News that Iran has widened the conflict by targeting airports, seaports, and energy infrastructure in Gulf states, as well as a base in Cyprus. Petraeus noted this escalates the involvement of countries that had sought neutrality.

Petraeus, who previously led the "Surge" strategy in Iraq, commented on US President Donald Trump's objective of regime change in Iran. He argued that air power alone is insufficient to topple a regime, emphasizing the need for ground forces to degrade capabilities and disrupt leadership. He questioned whether current airstrikes could create internal conditions for regime change but suggested it would require "guys with guns" to prevail.