Trump admin 'significantly underestimated' Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure - CNN News Central

[Rhiannon12866]

The Pentagon and National Security Council significantly underestimated Iran’s willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to US military strikes while planning the ongoing operation, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Donald Trump’s national security team failed to fully account for the potential consequences of what some officials have described as a worst-case scenario now facing the administration, the sources said. - Aired on 03/13/2026.

0:00 Sources: Trump admin underestimated Iran war's impact on Strait of Hormuz
2:09 White House statement
3:04 Lt. Gen. Mark Schwartz (Ret.) on Iran war planning
4:22 Defense Secretary Hegseth: "don't need to worry about it"
5:42 CNN's Tom Foreman on why the Strait of Hormuz matters

[pfitz59]

1. Major Hegseth is unschooled

in 'The Art of War'. He never reached that rank. In the scheme of things he's an amateur. He fired the experts. We're reaping what he sowed, bitter fruit.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I completely agree, he's definitely not a professional, we're only hearing his unimpressive opinions

It's a guy trying to sound "smart," but it's obvious he has no idea what he's talking about.

[Skittles]

3. did they take it into account AT ALL???

or did they think the airpower alone would be the end of it?

[Rhiannon12866]

4. Obviously no planning at all.

Those of us who were conscious during the Iran-Iraq war when Reagan supplied aid to Iraq because Iran was such an overwhelming power, much larger and thus more populous, obviously know more than the felon-in-chief. And I wasn't paying much attention back then, but I remember that much.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

5. Not surprised, this operation is run by idiots!

[Hope22]

6. If over the course of the last 40 years a person paid one ounce of attention

They would know that The Straight of Hormuz is an important piece of the puzzle. This administration wins the prize for ignorant fools!

[Rhiannon12866]

7. You said it! Even I was aware of that, but then we know that he paid no attention in school

And refuses to do his "homework" even now!

[nuxvomica]

8. Plus their energy policy plays into this

TSF's energy policy favors fossil fuels over wind and solar, making us even more dependent on oil and holding us hostage to countries like Iran in situations like this.

[Rhiannon12866]

9. Not only oil, but the felon-in-chief also supports coal.

He's gotten rid of all the environmental regulations passed by previous Democratic administrations which keep Americans safe and healthy.