The air campaign involving Iran has entered its second week—but what are the actual military objectives, and are they achievable?

In this episode of Now and Next, host Dave Trafford speaks with retired RCAF Major General Scott Clancy, former Director of Operations at NORAD, about the evolving conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Clancy breaks down the key military goals identified by the U.S. administration—including Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and naval threats to shipping in the Gulf—and explains how those objectives translate into real operational planning.
They also explore how modern air campaigns measure success, why a reduction in missile launches may not mean the conflict is winding down, and how political messaging can complicate military strategy.

Drawing on historical examples such as the Kosovo air campaign and the Libya intervention, Clancy explains why assumptions about regime change or popular uprisings in Iran may be dangerously simplistic.

This conversation offers a clear, strategic look at what may happen next—and whether the current objectives point to a limited operation or a much longer conflict.

Topics covered in this episode:
The military objectives behind the Iran air campaign
Attrition and how air wars are measured
Iran’s missile capabilities and naval threats
Why regime change assumptions may be flawed
Lessons from Kosovo and Libya
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Chapters
00:00 — Introduction
Dave Trafford introduces retired Major General Scott Clancy and the ongoing air campaign involving Iran.
01:30 — Defining the Military Objectives
Clancy explains the administration’s stated goals: nuclear capability, ballistic missiles, and Iranian naval threats.
05:56 — Air Campaigns and the Reality of Attrition
How military planners measure success—and why fewer missile attacks may not mean victory.
08:43 — The Risks of Misreading Iran’s Internal Politics
Why assumptions about regime change or popular uprising may be misguided.
09:55 — What Victory Actually Looks Like
Whether achievable military objectives could realistically bring the conflict to an end.



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