Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper criticized Iran's recent demands for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling them a "ridiculous" set of conditions that will stall negotiations. Speaking on ABC News' "This Week" on Sunday, August 9th, 2026, Esper said the demands—including the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the region, reimbursement for war costs, and the end of U.S. sanctions and blockades—are unacceptable and should be rejected "out of hand."

Esper noted that Iran's new requirements demonstrate the country's confidence in its negotiating leverage by controlling the strategic waterway. "It shows that they believe that they have the upper hand, they believe they are winning," he said.

He also traced the roots of the ongoing tensions back to decisions made at the end of the Cold War and subsequent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Esper added that the situation worsened during the Biden administration amid U.S. support for Ukraine through munitions supply.

While acknowledging that the current U.S. administration is "trying hard in multiple ways," Esper pointed out that some strategic defenses, like Patriot missile systems, take years to build, limiting short-term options.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route, and Iran's stance continues to complicate efforts to restore prewar shipping levels.

Sources

Notable Quotes

  • "They've put forward demands of the United States, which, frankly, are ridiculous and should be rejected out of hand."
  • "Demands such as the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the region, reimbursement for the costs of the war, the fact that we would end our blockade, we would end sanctions. So it's gone beyond the pale."
  • "It shows that they believe that they have the upper hand, they believe they are winning, and they are already."
  • "These demands they've now raised last night show that they are emboldened, that they feel confident about their position in the world, and at the same time they are flexing their muscles by using their proxies."
  • "The administration is trying hard in multiple ways."