The United States has carried out new attacks on Iranian military targets as part of a strategy to prevent Tehran from reestablishing critical defense capabilities, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. According to U.S. Central Command, strikes destroyed air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine laying facilities, and communications infrastructure.
President Donald Trump described this approach after recent attacks, explaining that U.S. forces waited for Iranian radar equipment to near completion before targeting it, illustrating a calculated effort to interdict military rebuilding efforts.
‘Mowing the Grass’ Strategy and Its Limits
The U.S. is reportedly considering continuing limited, periodic strikes to interrupt Iran’s military progress. This tactic has been likened to the Israeli concept of ‘mowing the grass’—reducing enemy capabilities sufficiently to keep threats manageable without aiming for outright defeat. The plan is to monitor Iran’s military reconstruction and strike when it crosses defined thresholds.
While the U.S. has succeeded in degrading some Iranian military assets and clearing sea mines recently, Tehran’s ability to repair or replace systems suggests such achievements may be temporary.
Concerns over an Endless Cycle of Conflict
Experts warn that this approach risks dragging the U.S. into a persistent, low-intensity conflict characterized by repeated escalations. Mona Yacoubian, director of the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, described it as a “Sisyphean attrition strategy without end.” The strategy, originally designed for non-state actors, may be ineffective against a state actor like Iran with substantial military capabilities.
Further complicating matters, the U.S. cannot dictate Iran’s responses. In retaliation for recent strikes, Iran launched rockets and drones targeting American facilities, with neighboring countries like Jordan reporting ballistic missile activity in their airspace.
Potential Impact on Nuclear Stability and Regional Security
Yacoubian cautioned that ongoing U.S. attacks might provoke Iran to accelerate nuclear weapon development in pursuit of lasting deterrence, potentially undermining efforts to control nuclear proliferation.
From Washington’s perspective, tolerating Iran’s rebuild carries risks to the critical global energy route through the Strait of Hormuz, whereas continued strikes risk escalating hostilities indefinitely.
President Trump’s strategy aims to avoid large-scale ground engagements and the ‘forever wars’ of the past, but experts highlight that this approach may paradoxically create a drawn-out conflict with no clear resolution in sight.
