War Readiness and Warnings: Oxnard Forum Reflects Growing Iran Tensions
OXNARD, Calif. — Defense leaders and local businesses gathered in Oxnard this week for a major military forum, as global tensions with Iran continue to escalate.
The Ventura Defense Industry Forum, held at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, brought together military officials, defense contractors, and industry experts to discuss the future of warfare, military readiness, and innovation.
“Readiness is important. Munitions are important… from a shipbuilding, aircraft, workforce, manpower perspective — all of those things are important,” said the programming chair for the forum Brandon Jones.
Those working in the defense sector say the conflict with Iran is creating a renewed sense of urgency when it comes to planning and innovation.
“Everybody is having to take some introspective looks at what they do, how they do it, and how it affects the actual warfighter,” said Aurex Chief Operating Officer Dominick Barry.
Barry added that the conflict is also impacting supply chains, forcing companies to reassess production and future needs.
“We’re having to readdress what systems are being consumed… and what systems are going to need to be built based on what we’re learning,” he said.
Some defense workers at the forum said they view the conflict as necessary.
“To prevent the Iranians from developing a nuclear weapon. They [Iran] have made us their sworn enemy for many decades,” said Aurex Vice President Devin Sappington.
However, not everyone agrees.
UC Santa Barbara Professor Mark Juergensmeyer warned the conflict could have serious consequences in the United States.
“When power stations in Iran are targeted, retaliation could come in the form of cyberattacks on U.S. power grids,” he said.
Juergensmeyer also criticized President Donald Trump’s handling of the situation, calling it reckless, and suggested a ceasefire may be the best path forward.
“Ceasefires have a way of continuing… it’s a face-saving way of ending a conflict,” he said.
On Tuesday, Trump posted on social media that he would agree to suspend bombing attacks on Iran for two weeks, describing it as a potential “double-sided ceasefire.”
Public opinion on the conflict remains divided. A recent YouGov poll sponsored by The Economist found that 34% of Americans support the war with Iran, while 53% oppose it and 13% are unsure.
