Former U.S. Defense Secretary and CIA Director Leon Panetta said President Donald Trump is in an impossible situation after three weeks of conflict with Iran. In an interview with a British newspaper, Panetta sharply criticized Trump’s war strategy, calling it based on wishful thinking rather than careful planning. He added that Trump seems to believe his statements alone can shape reality, which he described as an irresponsible approach.
Panetta said the targeted killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a major miscalculation. Instead of sparking a public uprising, it brought a more hardline leadership to power. He also criticized the U.S. administration for failing to prepare for Iran’s potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a threat long discussed in national security meetings that could trigger a global oil crisis.
The former secretary warned that Trump now faces a scenario where Iran controls the Strait, leaving little room for negotiation. According to Panetta, the only remaining option is to strike Iranian coastal defenses and secure passage for oil tankers, a move that could escalate the conflict and increase casualties. He also criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for acting more like a loyal supporter than an effective military leader.
Panetta further condemned the administration’s use of war footage and images of fallen soldiers for publicity and fundraising. He added that Trump’s refusal to apologize for attacks on girls’ schools in Iran has worsened America’s international reputation. The former Defense Secretary concluded that Trump is effectively trapped between escalating military challenges, political pressures, and global scrutiny in the Iran conflict.