Former Defense Secretary Says Trump’s Iran Campaign Is Strategically Faltering

Mark Esper, the ex-defense secretary for Donald Trump, told reporters that the administration’s war with Iran is currently on the back foot, even though the military has inflicted tactical damage. He said the conflict has stretched well beyond the timeline Trump originally anticipated, creating pressure as the president seeks to calm party anxieties before the midterms. Trump has repeatedly claimed the war is nearly over, while JD Vance warned that the fight is still “in the middle of the game.”

Recent diplomatic talks have centered on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran demanding full compensation for war damages. Analysts say these hardline demands limit Trump’s ability to craft a face-saving exit. Meanwhile, Trump continues to promote a narrative of victory on social media and in interviews.