Analysis argues operational pressure has shifted to airfields and logistics
WASHINGTON: A commentary published on the Amerikanets Substack has argued that Iran’s military strategy has shifted from attempting to shoot down US aircraft to disrupting the network of airbases used to support American operations in the region.
The analysis describes the approach as “debasification,” claiming Iran is seeking to reduce the effectiveness of US air power by making regional bases less viable rather than directly engaging aircraft in flight.
According to the commentary, the number of regional airbases available for US operations has reportedly declined because of security concerns, forcing aircraft to operate from fewer locations. The author argues that concentrating larger numbers of aircraft at a limited number of bases could increase their vulnerability to missile and drone attacks.
The article also cites previous reporting by The New York Times regarding Iranian strikes in Jordan, claiming the attacks resulted in casualties and aircraft losses. However, those assertions have not been independently verified in the commentary, and official accounts may differ.
Logistics highlighted as key challenge
The commentary further contends that relocating aircraft farther from Iran increases operational complexity by extending flight distances for tanker aircraft and carrier-based aviation.
According to the author, longer transit times reduce aircraft endurance over operational areas and complicate efforts to sustain prolonged air operations. The analysis also suggests that such logistical constraints could affect the pace and flexibility of future missions.
Opinion raises questions over future strategy
The commentary concludes that the United States may eventually face difficult choices between accepting greater operational risks or adjusting its military approach if regional basing constraints persist.
These assessments represent the views of the article’s author and should be regarded as analysis rather than independently verified fact. Neither the US Department of Defense nor Iranian officials have publicly endorsed the specific claims made in the commentary.
Military analysts generally note that the effectiveness of any wartime strategy depends on multiple factors, including operational capabilities, intelligence, logistics and political decision-making. Consequently, many battlefield claims made during active conflicts remain difficult to verify until supported by official evidence or independent investigations.
🇮🇷🇺🇸 Instead of trying to shoot U.S. aircraft out of the sky, Iran is taking away the runways.
There's a name for it now: debasification. And by the numbers, it's working.
Prewar, the U.S. could run operations against Iran from roughly 20 airbases. Strip out Kuwait, Bahrain,… pic.twitter.com/RDpirzT1zb
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 20, 2026
