Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on Sunday described Iran's latest demands for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz as a "ridiculous" set of conditions that will stall negotiations. Speaking on ABC News' "This Week," Esper, who served during President Donald Trump's first term, said Iran's demands include the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the region, reimbursement for war costs, ending the U.S. blockade, and lifting sanctions.

Esper argued that these demands demonstrate Iranian confidence in their negotiating position and leverage due to their control of the strait. "It shows that they believe that they have the upper hand, they believe they are winning, and they are already," he said.

He also traced the roots of the current situation back to decisions made at the end of the Cold War and the onset of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, noting that the issue worsened during the Biden administration amid U.S. munitions support to Ukraine.

While acknowledging that the current administration is "trying hard in multiple ways," Esper cautioned that strategic defense improvements, such as building Patriot missiles, will take years and won't provide short-term relief.

Esper concluded that the U.S. should reject Iran's terms "out of hand" to prevent further delays in the negotiation process.

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