Retired Army Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, a strategic analyst, warned that President Trump’s weekend strikes on Iran risk plunging the Middle East into “chaos,” arguing precision bombardments alone cannot achieve lasting change, per MSNBC. His remarks come as U.S.-Israeli forces launched “major combat operations” targeting Iran’s nuclear program, an escalation Trump justified as necessary to halt Tehran’s ambitions. The strikes killed four U.S. troops and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting retaliatory attacks across the region.

Hertling, who led U.S. forces in Iraq, stressed that external strikes without follow-up plans often empower hardliners, citing Desert Storm’s 45-day airstrikes preceding ground operations. “If you don’t have something to put in place afterwards, it’s going to be even tougher,” he said, contrasting with Iraq’s protracted conflict. The general warned Trump’s approach could deepen instability, mirroring past U.S. entanglements.

Trump, returning to the White House vowing to end “forever wars,” has instead ordered sustained “heavy and pinpoint bombing” under Operation Epic Fury. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called it a “clear, devastating, decisive mission,” but the administration hasn’t defined victory criteria or an exit strategy. Republican lawmakers oppose ground troops, leaving the U.S. reliant on aerial campaigns with uncertain outcomes. Critics, including House Intelligence Committee Chairman Jim Himes, question the lack of a post-conflict plan.

With casualties mounting and no clear off-ramp, analysts warn the U.S. risks a prolonged conflict akin to Iraq or Afghanistan. Trump insists the campaign will continue until achieving “peace,” but without a roadmap, experts argue the administration may face escalating costs and regional fallout. The strikes underscore a stark departure from Trump’s pre-election promises, raising stakes for U.S.-Iran relations and global security.