There is “no question” the United States would be plunged into a regional war if it strikes Iran, former CIA director Leon Panetta told CNN.
The former head of the intelligence agency said the US made a “terrible mistake” by going into Iraq two decades ago, starting a war that lasted years.
“It’s a lesson that the president needs to learn, because if he goes in and attacks Iran, then there’s no question that the United States would be in a regional war at that point,” Panetta told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins.
Panetta, also a former defense secretary, warned that Iran is bound to retaliate.
“So make no mistake about it. It may be an airstrike, but it would definitely involve the United States in a war with [Iran],” he said.