Former US Defence Secretary: Iran Growing Bolder in Conflict with Washington
Former US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has stated that recent Iranian demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz suggest the leadership in Tehran feels increasingly emboldened and confident in its position amid ongoing tensions with the United States. Esper, who served in the first Trump administration from 2019 to 2020, told ABC’s 'This Week' that Iran is capitalising on its control of the vital shipping lane, which has faced significant disruption since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February. Esper argued that Iran has not retreated in the face of threats, instead adopting what he described as 'highly strategic' positions. He pointed to an Oman-mediated proposal, noting that Tehran’s recent demands reflect a growing sense of regional power. The former secretary also alleged that Iran is projecting influence through proxy forces, citing recent attacks on a Saudi refinery in the Red Sea and an Emirati vessel. Furthermore, Esper claimed Iran recently demonstrated its reach by firing towards an Egyptian port in the Mediterranean—a move he labelled 'high-risk'—and threatened Bulgaria over its support for US operations. He urged Washington to focus on intensifying economic sanctions. Meanwhile, reports suggest progress toward a framework for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Hassan Ghashghavi, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated that a general framework has been agreed upon with Oman, though Muscat has not officially commented. The proposal reportedly divides management of the waterway, with Iran coordinating incoming traffic and Oman overseeing outgoing vessels. However, negotiations remain deadlocked over transit fees, with Iran reportedly seeking a levy of approximately five per cent of cargo value—a demand the US has rejected. Maritime experts warn that allowing Iran to collect such fees would undermine the principle of freedom of navigation. Domestically, support for Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict has waned; a CNN poll last month indicated that only 28 per cent of registered voters approved of his management of the situation, with 74 per cent suggesting his actions have been detrimental to the United States.