Former U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Deputy Commander Robert Harward has defended the Trump administration’s strategy of increasing military and economic pressure on Iran, arguing that sustained escalation is necessary to force Tehran to change course.
Speaking during an interview on Fox News on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Harward said the United States is pursuing a coordinated campaign that combines military operations with economic sanctions to weaken Iran’s ability to wage war and project influence across the Middle East.
He said the immediate objective is to dismantle Iran’s missile and drone capabilities and limit the activities of its regional proxy groups. According to Harward, achieving those goals would make it easier to address broader concerns, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“The path that they are on, the escalation is exactly what is needed at this moment to drive them to their knees and capitulate on all these objectives,” Harward said.
Harward added that Iran is under increasing financial and military pressure from U.S. strikes, sanctions and international efforts to isolate its leadership. He maintained that continued pressure, backed by political resolve, would ultimately compel Tehran to abandon its strategic objectives and move the conflict toward a favorable outcome for the United States and its allies.
