A former United States defence secretary and ex-CIA director, Leon Panetta, has blamed Donald Trump for the deepening crisis arising from the ongoing conflict with Iran, saying the situation reflects poor judgment and weak strategic planning.
Panetta, who served under former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, said the US leader now faces a difficult dilemma as the war drags on with no clear resolution in sight.
Speaking in an interview, the former intelligence chief described Trump as “naive,” noting that the administration failed to anticipate the consequences of military action against Iran, particularly the risk to global energy supply through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to him, the blockade of the vital waterway by Iran has triggered a major energy crisis, given that a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments passes through the route.
Panetta said the development was predictable and should have been factored into pre-war planning.
“This is not a complicated issue. Any serious national security discussion about Iran always considers the Strait of Hormuz as a major vulnerability,” he said.
He argued that the conflict, which began with a joint US-Israeli strike that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has instead strengthened hardline elements within the Iranian leadership.
Khamenei has since been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, a development Panetta said has made the regime more entrenched.
The former Pentagon chief added that Trump now faces limited options, including escalating military action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or withdrawing while risking political fallout.
“He is in a very difficult position. Expanding the war carries serious risks, but walking away without a ceasefire would be seen as failure,” Panetta said.
He further criticised Trump’s handling of alliances, noting that strained relations with partners such as NATO have weakened international support for US actions.
“Alliances are critical in times of war, but the administration’s approach has made it harder to secure cooperation,” he added.
Panetta also warned that the prolonged conflict could have far-reaching economic consequences, including soaring fuel prices and the possibility of a global recession.
He urged the US government to adopt a more realistic strategy, including securing the vital shipping route and pursuing diplomatic options to achieve a ceasefire.
“The current situation is a direct consequence of decisions taken by the president,” he said, stressing that responsibility for the crisis ultimately rests with Trump.
