French General Says Iran Determined to Prolong Middle East War

(MENAFN) Iran appears determined to prolong tensions in the Middle East, and a U.S. ground invasion seems improbable, according to French Air and Space Force General Jean-Marc Vigilant.

“The Iranians have an interest to make the conflict last,” Vigilant told a French broadcaster on Monday.

Vigilant, former director of the French War School and president of strategic consultancy BeVigilant, emphasized that while the U.S. military routinely develops multiple operational scenarios, a full-scale ground operation in Iran remains unlikely.

He noted that U.S. interventions have so far relied heavily on air and aerospace capabilities, enabling rapid force application and strategic impact ahead of political decisions.

“Deploying troops on the ground is of a different nature; it would put soldiers in danger,” he said, highlighting the logistical and security hurdles involved in stationing and protecting ground forces.

The general also outlined Iran’s operational strategy, citing intermittent drone and missile attacks designed to force neighboring nations into using costly interceptor systems, thereby gaining an economic edge.

“Economically, the Iranians are in a strong position,” he said.

Vigilant added that Iran had anticipated the conflict and continues to manage military operations despite setbacks. He also questioned the clarity and consistency of U.S. political objectives in the region.

“President Trump may not have realized this would be a long engagement,” Vigilant said.

Heightened alert persists across the Middle East following a Feb. 28 U.S. and Israeli air strike on Iran, which killed more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting U.S. military forces.

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