{
  "id": 392856,
  "title": "Former Trump Defense Secretary Esper calls Iran's demands 'ridiculous'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/former-trump-defense-secretary-esper-calls-irans-demands-ridiculous",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-09T16:30:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News (US)",
    "slug": "abc-news-us",
    "url": "https://abcnews.com/Politics/former-trump-defense-secretary-mark-esper-calls-irans/story?id=135496975"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper dismissed Iran's demands to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as \"ridiculous\" and urged the U.S. to reject them outright. The ex-defense chief's comments come in response to Iran's new set of requirements for the strait's reopening and the resumption of prewar shipping levels. Esper stated that the demands, which include the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the region, reimbursement for war costs, and the lifting of U.S. sanctions, are unreasonable and should be disregarded. He added that the Iranian leadership appears confident and holds significant leverage by controlling the strait, demonstrating that they believe they are winning in the ongoing conflict. Esper also addressed the U.S. munitions shortage, acknowledging that the administration's efforts to increase production are necessary for strategic reasons, although they will not provide immediate relief.",
  "summary": "Former Trump Defense Secretary Esper calls Iran's criteria for reopening the Strait of Hormuz \"ridiculous\" and will prevent the negotiation process from moving forward.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 10,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Live Mint",
        "title": "Trump prepares to declare Iran war victory if Hormuz reopens, willing to walk away without nuclear deal: Report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/trump-prepares-to-declare-iran-war-victory-if-hormuz-reopens-willing",
        "published": "2026-08-09T15:24:11.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Trump may extend Iran truce if Hormuz Strait reopens, US officials say",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/trump-may-extend-iran-truce-if-hormuz-strait-reopens-us-officials-say",
        "published": "2026-08-09T15:49:49.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "Trump ready to drop Iran nuclear deal push if Tehran reopens Hormuz: Report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/trump-ready-to-drop-iran-nuclear-deal-push-if-tehran-reopens-hormuz",
        "published": "2026-08-09T16:28:34.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Trump ready to end Iran war without nuclear deal on one condition: Report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/trump-ready-to-end-iran-war-without-nuclear-deal-on-one-condition",
        "published": "2026-08-09T17:14:31.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Haaretz",
        "title": "Trump reportedly prepared to declare victory on Iran if Hormuz reopened",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/trump-reportedly-prepared-to-declare-victory-on-iran-if-hormuz",
        "published": "2026-08-09T18:04:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Arutz Sheva - Israel National News",
        "title": "Trump: US 'low keying' Iran",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/trump-us-low-keying-iran",
        "published": "2026-08-09T18:24:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Toronto Sun",
        "title": "IRAN WAR: IRGC says Strait of Hormuz won’t reopen unless U.S. agrees to demands",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/iran-war-irgc-says-strait-of-hormuz-wont-reopen-unless-u-s-agrees-to",
        "published": "2026-08-09T18:38:25.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Trump says US is ‘low-keying it’ with Iran, stresses economic pain",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/trump-says-us-is-low-keying-it-with-iran-stresses-economic-pain",
        "published": "2026-08-09T18:45:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Times of Israel",
        "title": "Trump says US ‘low-keying’ Iran conflict, giving economic pressure time to work",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/trump-says-us-low-keying-iran-conflict-giving-economic-pressure-time",
        "published": "2026-08-09T20:49:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}