Bloomberg Talks Former US Defense Secretary Mark Esper Talks Strait Of Hormuz
8 snips
Jun 23, 2025 Mark Esper, former US Defense Secretary, dives into the ongoing threats from Iran's regime. He discusses the alarming 900 pounds of missing uranium and the possible military repercussions if Iran retaliates with airstrikes. Esper shares insights on US military capabilities and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions. Joined by Bloomberg hosts Jonathan Ferro, Ann Marie Hordern, and Lisa Abramowicz, they navigate Iran's potential strategies and the delicate balance of deterrence in this volatile region.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Success of US Military Airstrikes
- The US military executed the airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities with skill and professionalism.
- Damage assessment requires days and inspection on the ground for completeness.
Potential Iranian Retaliation
- Iran could retaliate using militia groups, missile attacks on US bases, targeting officials, or disrupting shipping.
- Closing the Strait of Hormuz is possible but unlikely due to their own interests.
Iran's Calibrated Retaliation Strategy
- Iran seeks calibrated retaliation to appear strong domestically without provoking severe US counteractions.
- Backchannel communications emerged quickly following earlier missile strikes indicating desire to de-escalate.