In a grave warning, former CIA Director Leon Panetta has cautioned that President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated “blank check” foreign policy approach towards Israel could potentially ignite an all-out war with Iran. Speaking on the One Decision podcast, Panetta expressed concern that Trump’s unrestrained support may embolden Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to escalate attacks against Iran, plunging the already volatile Middle East into a deeper crisis.
Trump’s Unconditional Backing: A Catalyst for Conflict?
According to Panetta, who has also served as US Secretary of Defense, Trump is likely to give Netanyahu free rein in the region, stating, “With regards to the Middle East, I think he’s basically going to give Netanyahu a blank check.” This unconditional endorsement, Panetta fears, could spur Netanyahu to intensify Israel’s campaign against Iran, potentially triggering a full-blown conflict that would further destabilize the region.
The concerns raised by the former CIA chief come amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with the two adversaries engaging in an increasingly aggressive shadow war. In recent months, Israel has launched multiple strikes targeting Iranian assets, while Iran has retaliated through its proxies. Panetta’s warning suggests that Trump’s return to the White House could remove any restraints on Israel, paving the way for a dangerous escalation.
The Russia-Ukraine Conundrum
Beyond the Middle East, Panetta also touched upon the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, predicting that Trump would likely favor allowing Russia to maintain control over the territories it has seized since invading the country in 2022. This stance, he argued, would be in line with Trump’s long-standing admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and could further complicate efforts to restore Ukraine’s sovereignty.
That’s going to take some negotiation. And I would not put Mr Trump in charge of that because, you know, he sat down with Kim Jong-un for three meetings and wasn’t able to cut a deal.
Leon Panetta, Former CIA Director
However, Panetta expressed skepticism about Trump being given complete autonomy in handling the Russia-Ukraine issue, suggesting that experienced diplomats and military leaders should spearhead the negotiations instead. He emphasized the complexity of the situation and the need for skilled negotiators to broker a fair deal that would be acceptable to both Ukraine and Russia.
A World in Turmoil: Flashpoints and Challenges Ahead
Looking beyond specific conflicts, Panetta painted a grim picture of the global landscape, highlighting the numerous flashpoints that could test the incoming administration. From the tensions between China and Taiwan to the persistent threat of terrorism, the 85-year-old veteran of US politics and national security warned of the dangers lurking in a world increasingly defined by uncertainty and instability.
- Russia-Ukraine conflict
- China-Taiwan tensions
- Middle East volatility
- Iran’s nuclear ambitions
- North Korea’s unpredictability
- Global terrorism threats
Despite Trump’s campaign promises to swiftly resolve these complex issues through his deal-making prowess, Panetta expressed skepticism, noting that true progress would require more than simply acquiescing to the demands of tyrants and adversaries. He questioned whether even Trump’s own Republican Party would be willing to endorse a foreign policy approach that effectively surrenders to the whims of autocratic leaders.
A Perilous Path Forward
As the United States braces for Trump’s second term, Leon Panetta’s stark warning serves as a sobering reminder of the high stakes involved in navigating an increasingly treacherous geopolitical landscape. With the specter of an all-out war between Israel and Iran looming and the fate of Ukraine hanging in the balance, the incoming administration will face a daunting array of challenges that will test its diplomatic mettle and strategic vision.
For now, the world watches and waits, hoping that cooler heads will prevail and that the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and beyond can be preserved. But as Panetta’s ominous prediction suggests, the risk of a single miscalculation or unchecked aggression sparking a conflagration that engulfs the region – and perhaps the world – has never been higher.
