Former US Defence Secretary Mark Esper says the United States cannot “win” a war with Iran through airstrikes alone, arguing that additional bombing would not change Tehran’s behaviour. In comments reported by the Financial Times, Esper warns that escalating attacks would not achieve the strategic outcomes the US seeks, and he frames the issue as one of limits on what force from the air can accomplish. The remarks come as President Donald Trump faces pressure over his approach toward Iran and signals a willingness to intensify military action. Across the reporting, the central point is Esper’s assessment that further strikes will not lead to a decisive result and that a broader strategy would be required to influence Iranian actions. The Financial Times articles present Esper’s view as a counterpoint to the president’s stated intention to step up attacks, highlighting a debate within US policymaking about the effectiveness of bombing as a tool for changing Iran’s conduct rather than merely increasing pressure or damage.