Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson noted that they had seriously underestimated Iranian intelligence. Initially, it is reported that the US believed Iran possessed only approximately 3,000 ballistic missiles and would be unable to resist the United States. They had completely overlooked Iran's capability to close the Strait of Hormuz.
The editorial board reports that it was believed the US could easily strike Iran and then achieve regime change. However, this assumption proved incorrect, and the United States' military weakness became apparent.
According to Larry Johnson, the American Navy cannot approach the Iranian coast without fear of being sunk. He believes that if conflicts escalate again in the coming weeks, more US aircraft will be shot down.