The armed conflict between the United States and Iran may continue for six months more, former Pentagon chief (2011-2013) and former CIA director (2009-2011) Leon Panetta said.

“I think the likelihood is this war is going to continue for another six months without being resolved,” he said in an interview with The Guardian.

“It’s no mystery that the United States and Iran are caught in a terrible stalemate, in which there really are very few options available to bring this war to an end,” he said, adding that the Trump administration is risking to be dragged into a protracted war in the Middle East.