New Delhi, March 30 -- As the United States continues its military engagement in Iran, debates over how the conflict is being portrayed publicly have intensified, with US Strategic Air Power Expert and advisor to multiple US Presidents, Professor Robert Pape arguing that rhetoric by senior officials should not be taken at face value and that the real determinants of policy lie beyond public statements.

The comments come amid growing scrutiny of how the Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has communicated the approach to the war in Iran. Rubio also serves as Trump's national security advisor.

US forces have expanded deployments and contingency planning, including potential ground op...