Panetta: Trump's Iran War Facing Total Failure

0:00On March 22nd, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says President Trump is in a tough spot three weeks into the war with Iran. It kicked off on February 28th when Israel struck and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Kamanay. The U.S. and Israel quickly took control of the skies, but now that edge is fading as the fight drags on. Iran has hit back hard by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for one-fifth of the world's traded oil. This has sent energy prices soaring in global markets into chaos. Casualties include 13 U.S. troops and over 1,400 Iranians, with Kamanay's son, Mojtaba stepping in as the new, tougher leader. At home, Trump faces falling poll numbers and a divided base, while he grives about media coverage and waffles on the war's goals. Panetta points out the administration overlooked Iran's power to spark this exact oil crisis, leaving no clear way out beyond empty claims of success. Trump rules out ground troops in Iran, but is shipping thousands of Marines to the region,

1:02hinting at bigger moves like targeting Kharg Island to force. The Strait opened. He's also strained ties with allies by dismissing them before, making it hard to rally NATO or others now. Panetta urges facing reality with military steps to clear the strait and escort tankers, creating room for talks and a possible ceasefire, or risk, total failure.