Esper blasts Iran's Hormuz demands as 'ridiculous' in ABC interview

Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper told ABC's This Week that Iran's terms for reopening the Strait of Hormuz are 'ridiculous' and should be rejected out of hand, arguing Iran believes it has leverage by controlling the strait. He noted the demands—such as withdrawal of U.S. forces, payment of costs, and lifting sanctions—illustrate Iran's emboldened position, and he also commented on U.S. munition shortages and the administration's push to ramp up production for strategic reasons.