Iran is 'emboldened and confident' despite Trump threats, former US defence secretary says
Iran's latest demands for opening the Strait of Hormuz show country's rulers feel emboldened by their position in the continuing war with the US, a former US defence secretary said. Mark Esper , who served as defence secretary from 2019 to 2020 during US President Donald Trump's first term, made the comments about Iran's confidence level during a Sunday appearance on ABC's This Week . “Clearly…
Former US Defence Secretary Mark Esper stated that Iran's recent demands for opening the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate the country's increased confidence and emboldened position amidst the ongoing conflict with the US. In a recent interview on ABC's This Week, Esper noted that Iran is not reacting to US threats and is strategically positioning itself in the ongoing war.
He attributed Iran's confidence to its control over the Strait of Hormuz, which has been a critical shipping lane disrupted by US and Israeli strikes. Esper further pointed out that Iran is using Houthi proxies to flex its muscles, as evidenced by attacks on Saudi and UAE vessels in the Red Sea and a threat against Bulgaria for supporting US operations from its territory.
He suggested that the US should consider a stronger economic boycott of Iran. Esper's comments come amid reports that Iran and Oman have reached a framework agreement for traffic management in the Strait of Hormuz, although details and final approval are still pending. However, maritime experts warn that allowing Iran to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait would undermine the principle of freedom of navigation, which is crucial for global trade.
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