# Panetta on Iran war: US ‘in deep trouble’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/panetta-on-iran-war-us-in-deep-trouble/
- Published: 2026-07-24T21:59:02+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-28T21:35:12+00:00
- Original publisher: The Hill (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://thehill.com/homenews/5989591-panetta-on-iran-war-us-in-deep-trouble/
- Topics: Americas, Middle East, Politics, World

## Key points

- Panetta warns the Iran war risks becoming a prolonged US quagmire.
- He says the administration lacks a clear strategy or end point.
- Control of Hormuz could strengthen US negotiating leverage.

## Summary

Former US defence secretary and CIA director Leon Panetta said the United States is in “deep trouble” in its war with Iran, comparing the conflict with the prolonged Vietnam War. He argued that the Trump administration lacks a clear objective and is continuing military action despite intelligence suggesting it will not force Iran to change course; his comments underline growing concern that the conflict could become an open-ended and costly war.

Panetta said President Trump had predicted the conflict would last four to five weeks, but it had continued for nearly five months, with rising oil prices and living costs affecting Americans. He said prospects for ending the war looked poor and argued that gaining control of the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring freedom of navigation there could provide leverage for renewed negotiations. The article also noted unease among some Republican lawmakers, following recent US military deaths and waning support for the war among some Trump supporters.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.