AXIOS (Ben Geman) - "We're in a tough spot": Mattis delivers harsh Iran assessment
HOUSTON — Former Defense Secretary James Mattis offered a sobering take Monday on the Strait of Hormuz, criticizing the Trump administration for what he saw as a failure to think strategically about Iran . Why it matters: The CERAWeek conference here has been clouded by uncertainty over the future of a conflict that's bringing historic supply disruptions — and upending industry planning in the process. - "We're in a tough spot, ladies and gentlemen, and I can't identify a lot of good options," the retired Marine general told attendees at the CERAWeek by S&P conference. Driving the news: If Trump declares victory and pulls back the U.S. military, Iran "would now say we own the Strait," said Mattis, who served in Trump's first term…
| Keywords | irantrumpstrait-of-hormuzwargeopoliticsnational-securityred-green-axisus-foreign-policyisraelmilitary-actionoilus-navyusapentagonjames-mattisenergy-crisisregime-changemiddle-east |