Sec. Panetta: US Is Trapped In Another Forever War

Summary

Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says the US is now trapped in another forever war in the Middle East after six months, with Iran holding leverage through the Strait of Hormuz. He argues that clearing mines has not removed Iran's control, and restricted traffic is cutting fuel supplies, raising pump and food prices and inflation. Panetta says the US must either restore diplomacy or use military force to take control of the strait. He also comments on CIA diplomacy with Russia over Ukraine and NATO.

• Panetta sees a stalemated forever war with Iran and no end in sight.
• Iran's key leverage is its ability to close or restrict the Strait of Hormuz.
• Mine-clearing is credited but does not end Iran's control or ship attacks.
• Restricted strait traffic cuts fuel and raises pump, food, and inflation pressures.
• Panetta says the US must reopen the strait via MoU diplomacy or military force.
• He says the war cannot end while Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz.
• On Russia, Ratcliffe's Moscow trip signals a warning on Ukraine and NATO aggression.