Panetta: US trapped in another forever war with Iran
By The BriefBrief
Former U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the U.S. is “now trapped in another forever war” with Iran after six months of fighting with “no end in sight.” He argued Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz gives Tehran leverage by threatening ships and using missiles to restrict traffic, and said U.S. mine-clearing efforts have not removed that leverage.
WHO:Leon Panetta
WHAT:Panetta said the U.S. is trapped in a “forever war” with Iran and argued Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz prevents taking control of the conflict.
WHEN:Reported Aug 28, 2026 at 7:11 PM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:Panetta was reacting to the ongoing six months of fighting and Iran’s continued threats and missile use to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Reporting from 1 identified publisher for this event.
