Pentagon strategy sees Israel model ally, warns Iran could rebuild forces

Washington: The Pentagon, headquarters of the United States Department of Defence, has released a National Defense Strategy (NDS) outlining a shift in its Middle Eastern policy. Made public on Friday, the document asserts that the Iranian regime is "weaker and more vulnerable than it has been in decades" following targeted American military operations.

Nuclear programme “obliterated”

A primary focus of the strategy is the claimed success of Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER. Sources state that this mission "obliterated Iran’s nuclear program", a feat the Pentagon suggests no other military could have achieved with such "complexity and consequence".

Despite these successes, Tehran remains a persistent concern. The strategy warns that Iranian leaders have "left open the possibility" of renewed nuclear ambitions by refusing to engage in "meaningful negotiations".

Axis of Resistance “devastated”

The document details a significant retreat for Iran’s regional proxies, often referred to as the Axis of Resistance. Following the 12-Day War, Israeli operations have left Hezbollah and Hamas "severely degraded".

Further south, the US-led Operation ROUGH RIDER reportedly neutralised Houthi strike capabilities, compelling the group to "sue for peace" and restoring safety for American vessels. However, the Pentagon cautions that the regime—which it claims has the "blood of Americans on its hands"—may still attempt to rebuild "devastated infrastructure" and reconstitute its conventional forces.

Ally-led security shift

In a move with major implications for regional stability, the US intends to "empower regional allies and partners to take primary responsibility" for deterring Tehran. The strategy represents a shift away from permanent US intervention, instead positioning Israel as a "model ally".

The Pentagon plans to foster deeper integration between Israel and Arabian Gulf partners, building upon the Abraham Accords. While the US will maintain the capacity for "focused, decisive action", the ultimate goal is a "sustainable balance of power" where local actors defend their own interests against Iranian instigation. This approach aims to secure a "decent peace" while ending the era of "perpetual war".