Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper criticizes Iran's conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz
Mark Esper said Iran's demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including U.S. troop withdrawal and sanctions relief, are unacceptable and hinder negotiations.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper told ABC News' "This Week" that Iran's latest conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable and would stall diplomatic talks. He said the demands – which include the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the region, reimbursement for war costs, ending the U.S. naval presence, and lifting sanctions – are beyond what the United States can accept.
"They've put forward demands of the United States, which, frankly, are ridiculous and should be rejected out of hand," Esper said. Esper added that the list of requirements reflects Iran's confidence in its negotiating position, noting that Tehran appears to believe it holds leverage by controlling the strategic waterway. He warned that the new demands indicate Iran feels it is “winning” and is using its regional proxies to press its agenda. "It shows that they believe they have the upper hand, they believe they are winning, and they are already. So that's what we're up against right now," he said. The remarks came as the United States and Iran continue indirect talks aimed at restoring pre-war shipping levels through the strait.