The President’s Inbox The Strategy Gap in Iran, With Max Boot
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Mar 18, 2026 
Max Boot, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and military historian, breaks down tactical wins versus strategic uncertainty. He discusses vague U.S. goals, Iranian regional escalation, vulnerabilities of the Strait of Hormuz, allies’ reluctance to assume naval risks, drone surprises, and U.S. munitions shortfalls.
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Unclear War Aims Undermine Strategy
- The operation's objectives are a moving target without clear metrics for success.
- Max Boot notes Trump speaks of regime change, surrender, and deals while the Pentagon focuses narrowly on degrading Iranian military capabilities.
Tactical Precision Versus Strategic Outcome
- U.S. and Israeli strikes show exceptional precision and tactical success.
- Boot cites over 15,000 targets hit and says tactical gains are strong but translating them into strategic outcomes is unclear.
Iran's Strategy Is To Expand The Battlefield
- Iran is expanding the battlefield to inflict economic pain rather than match U.S. military power.
- Boot explains Iran uses limited missile/drone strikes to close the Strait of Hormuz and drive up oil prices.