Former U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander General David Petraeus revealed on Saturday, in an interview with Iran International, that any potential U.S. airstrike against Iran would not focus solely on nuclear sites. According to Petraeus, the strike would also target Iran’s missile systems and air defenses, with the goal of preventing a retaliatory response and deterring further aggression from Tehran.
U.S. deploys long-range bombers
Petraeus noted that the U.S. military recently deployed long-range bombers to a strategic base in the Indian Ocean. The move, he said, is meant to demonstrate that the United States is serious about its intentions—should talks over a new nuclear agreement with Iran fail.
“These steps are meant to show we’re very serious,” he explained, “even if we don’t necessarily want to escalate to military action.”
According to Petraeus, the increased military readiness stems from fears that Iran is now closer than ever to obtaining nuclear weapons.
“Iran is just one enrichment cycle away from having weapons-grade uranium,” he said. His comments came in the wake of statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has warned that the U.S. would strike if Iran refuses to accept a new nuclear deal.
Israel has shown these systems can be breached
Following rising tensions, Iran has threatened potential attacks on American interests—including strategic sites like Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Petraeus emphasized that if the U.S. does take military action, it would go beyond precision strikes on nuclear facilities. American forces would also target Iran’s defense and retaliation capabilities in order to prevent a broad counterattack.
Petraeus added that while Iran does possess advanced air defense systems, Israel has already shown that these can be overcome. He referenced Israel’s reported breach of Iran’s S-300 missile defense system in October.
“Israel has proven it’s possible,” he said.
According to reports, the U.S. military is equipped with advanced strike capabilities, including the GBU-57 bunker-buster bomb, which weighs 30,000 pounds and can penetrate deep underground targets. The Fordow nuclear site, which lies 90 meters underground and is protected by layers of reinforced concrete, is considered one of the potential targets.
